SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Mission University Lady Patriots used a decisive fourth-quarter surge to separate from Hannibal-LaGrange University, pulling away for a 63–43 conference win Saturday afternoon at W. E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
Mission entered the day needing momentum in conference play and delivered its most complete finish of the season, outscoring the Lady Trojans 25–11 in the final period to turn a tight contest into a comfortable victory.
Pregame
The Lady Patriots came in 10–13 overall and 6–7 in conference, looking to rebound after a loss at Harris-Stowe State. Hannibal-LaGrange arrived 5–17 overall and 2–10 in conference following a setback against Central Baptist.
The two teams met once earlier this season, when HLGU defeated Mission 74–65 on the road, giving the Lady Patriots added motivation in the home rematch.
Game Summary
Mission set the tone early. After defensive stops to open the game, Miya Nieto buried the first three of the afternoon, and Ireland Jones followed with back-to-back triples as the Lady Patriots raced out to a 9–0 lead. Mission pushed the advantage to 12–5 on another Nieto three before HLGU answered late in the quarter. Despite the Lady Trojans tying the game at 12, Jayla Kirksey hit a jumper in the final seconds to send Mission into the second quarter ahead 14–12.
The second quarter slowed offensively for both sides. Mission struggled to find rhythm, but stayed composed at the line and on the glass. Kayla Howell knocked down a mid-range jumper, and Mission maintained control with steady defense. HLGU closed the gap late, yet the Lady Patriots held a slim 19–18 halftime lead after grinding through a physical first half.
Momentum began to swing after the break. HLGU briefly took a 20–19 edge early in the third, but Mission answered. Miya Nieto hit a jumper, then Hannah Maxwell drained a three to reclaim the lead. The Lady Patriots forced turnovers and converted them into points as Ireland Jones attacked the lane and later connected from deep. Mission stretched the margin to 32–24, then continued the push with free throws and transition baskets. By the end of the third, Mission had built a 38–32 advantage.
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Lady Patriots.
Mission opened with a statement as Jones drilled a three on the first possession, extending the lead to 41–32. After another defensive stop, Nieto scored inside, and moments later Howell knocked down a three to make it 48–36. Mission's ball movement and rebounding overwhelmed HLGU as the Lady Patriots continued to cash in second-chance opportunities.
With under five minutes remaining, Naomi Daugherty finished consecutive layups, and Maxwell added a jumper to balloon the margin past 15. Mission's defense locked in late, forcing empty possessions while continuing to score in transition and the paint. A final layup by Jayla Kirksey capped the afternoon as Mission closed on a 25–11 fourth-quarter run to secure the 63–43 home conference win.
Stat Leaders (Mission Only)
Postgame
Mission shot confidently from the perimeter in key moments, finishing with 10 made threes, while controlling the glass with 52 total rebounds. The Lady Patriots also forced HLGU into difficult possessions, allowing just 11 points in the fourth quarter.
With the victory, Mission improves to 11–13 overall and 7–7 in conference, gaining traction as the schedule turns toward the final stretch.
Next Up
The Lady Patriots remain home for another conference matchup, hosting Columbia College on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at W. E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
