SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — February 27, 2026 — Fifth-seeded Mission University used a huge fourth quarter to rally past No. 4 seed University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, 81-77, in the American Midwest Conference Quarterfinals at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
Pregame
Mission entered the neutral-site tournament matchup at 13-15 overall and 9-9 in conference play after closing the regular season with a win over Crowley's Ridge.
UHSP came in 13-16 overall and 10-8 in conference play. The two teams split their regular-season meetings, each defending its home floor.
Despite being played at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse, the contest served as a neutral-site quarterfinal as part of the AMC Tournament.
Game Summary
The opening quarter was tightly contested, with neither team able to create separation. Naomi Daugherty and Tara Masten scored early inside, and Ireland Jones knocked down a three-pointer midway through the period. The teams finished the first quarter tied at 16-16.
UHSP found rhythm in the second quarter, using timely perimeter shooting to build a lead. Mission stayed within striking distance behind Masten's attacking drives and Jones' free throws, but UHSP carried a 38-34 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern. Daugherty remained efficient in the paint, and Miya Nieto connected from beyond the arc to keep the Lady Patriots close. However, UHSP edged the quarter 22-18 to take a 60-52 lead into the final period.
Mission's fourth quarter flipped the game.
Daugherty opened the period with consecutive layups, and Jones attacked the rim to cut the deficit. With just under eight minutes remaining, Daugherty finished another inside bucket to tie the game at 60-60.
From there, the Lady Patriots took control. Jones converted multiple trips to the free-throw line to give Mission the lead, and Nieto delivered a clutch three-pointer midway through the quarter to extend the advantage. After UHSP tied the contest late, Nieto answered with another three with just over a minute remaining to push Mission back in front.
Jones and Masten sealed the win at the free-throw line in the closing seconds as Mission outscored UHSP 29-17 in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
Mission forced 22 turnovers and attempted 40 free throws in the victory.
Stat Leaders (Mission Only)
Ireland Jones — 27 points, 5 assists, 4 steals
Tara Masten — 21 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds
Naomi Daugherty — 13 points, 5 rebounds
Miya Nieto — 12 points, 3-10 3PT
Jayla Kirksey — 6 points, 9 rebounds
Postgame
The win improves Mission to 14-15 overall and marks its third victory in the last four games. The Lady Patriots avenged a regular-season loss to UHSP and advance to the semifinal round of the conference tournament.
Next Up
Mission will face top-seeded Columbia College in the AMC Semifinals tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
