KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgFast Start for Truman Downs Lions, 72-53

Fast Start for Truman Downs Lions, 72-53

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- After finding themselves down 19-6 just over seven minutes into the game the Missouri Southern Lions (6-11, 2-9 MIAA) battled back and held the Truman State Bulldogs (10-6, 5-6 MIAA) to just 15 points for the rest of the half but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs came away with the 72-53 win Saturday afternoon in Pershing Arena.

A free throw by junior Erin Rice started the Southern comeback in the first stanza as the Lions went on a 7-0 run capped by a pair of free throws from sophomore Shatara Stone, to pull within six of Truman at 19-13 with 8:48 to play in the half.

A pair of free throws by the Bulldogs' Megan Sharpe would expand the lead back to eight at 21-13 42 seconds later and the Lions would get closer just one more time in the half as Rice connected on two trips from the charity stripe at the 2:19 mark to pull within five, 27-22.

The Bulldogs would take a 10 point lead, 34-24, into the locker room after Becka McHenry drained a jumper as time expired.

Coming out of the intermission the Lions and Bulldogs would trade baskets for the first three minutes before Truman would go on a 14-0 run over a five minute span to take a 21 point lead and never look back.

Rice and senior Larrita Gipson led the way in scoring for Southern with 14 and 10 points, respectively, and both Rice and Gipson led the way in rebounding with six and four boards.  Junior Tatianna Washington added nine points for the Lions.

Truman was led by Becka McHenry with 18 points and nine boards, Breanna Daniels with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Allie Norton with 11 points.

Southern will be back in action this Wednesday night as they host the Jennies of Central Missouri at 5:30 pm at The Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.