Lions Women's Basketball Falters in Season Opener - KOAM TV 7

Lions Women's Basketball Falters in Season Opener

JOPLIN -- The Missouri Southern Women's Basketball (0-1) shot just 28.3 percent (13-of-46) from the field in a 50-68 loss to the Harding Lady Bisons (1-0) Friday night in Joplin.

Junior forward Erin Rice led the way for the Lions with 14 points, as she was the only Lion to score in double figures.  Sophomore forward Jessica Bell and freshman guard Haley Weathers each added eight points while junior guard Tatianna Washington led the way in rebounding with five boards.

Southern battled back and forth with the Lady Bisons for most of the first half with their largest lead coming at four points with 16:26 to play in the first stanza while their last lead of the game came at the 8:10 mark, 23-22, as Harding went on an 8-2 run to go up 31-25 with just under four minutes remaining.  The Lady Bisons would then close out the first half of play on a 10-2 run for a 41-27 halftime lead.

Harding then ballooned its lead up to 19 points with just under six minutes to play at 62-43 on a three point play by Sierra Rollins.

The Lions' bench was out scored 26-17 on the night while the Lady Bisons out scored Southern 32-18 in the paint.

The Lions' women will be back in action on Monday as they travel to future MIAA opponent Nebraska-Kearney for a 6pm tip.