Griffons soar at home: Missouri Western sweeps Missouri Southern in Saturday doubleheader
The Missouri Western Griffons earned crucial conference victories on Saturday, February 15, as the women’s and men’s basketball teams defended their home court against Missouri Southern.
Western women’s basketball team showcased resilience and control in their 77-67 win over Missouri Southern, holding off a late Lions surge to maintain their spot near the top of the conference standings.
The Griffons opened the game with a quick 6-0 run, setting the tone early. Despite Missouri Southern cutting the deficit to just three points midway through the third quarter, Missouri Western never gave up their advantage.
Alyssa Bonilla led the charge, scoring a game-high 21 points, while Laura Toffali made her presence felt with seven rebounds and four steals. Marie Sepp facilitated the offense beautifully, dishing out seven assists.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Western, as in the fourth quarter, Missouri Southern made an 8-1 run to bring the game within four points, 55-51, with just under seven minutes remaining, but the Griffons responded with clutch baskets and defensive stops, securing the ten-point victory.
The win gives Missouri Western a strong hold on their conference positioning, with a road matchup against Fort Hays State on Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 PM in Hays, Kan.
The Missouri Western men’s basketball team ended a three-game losing skid decisively, taking down Missouri Southern by a score of 79-67 at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
The night was highlighted by senior Julius Dixon reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his Griffon career, hitting the mark with a three-pointer at the 14:43 mark of the first half. Dixon finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, barely missing a double-double.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, featuring four ties and three lead changes, with Missouri Southern taking a 35-32 advantage into halftime, but the Griffons came out with fire in the second half, opening with an 11-2 run sparked by senior Zane Nelson’s and-one play.
Missouri Western never trailed again, stretching their lead to as much as 21 points before sealing the 12-point victory.
Nelson delivered a stellar performance, posting 18 points and 10 assists for the double-double, while Zion Swader and Ethan Kilgore chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively. The Griffons’ efficiency made the difference, shooting 49% from the field, 47% from three, and 86% from the free-throw line.
With the win, Missouri Western now turns its attention to a matchup with MIAA newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith on Thursday, February 20, at 7:30 PM in Fort Smith.
