Kansas City
Missouri Western State
Griffons Upend Kangaroos In Season Opener
11/9/2012 9:49:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Kangaroos opened up hot from the field, starting with a baseline jumper by Hill. Junior Eilise O'Connor followed with a jumper of her own and, after back-to-back layups by Nezianya and freshman Lauren Dudding, the 'Roos held an 8-0 advantage three and a half minutes in.
The Griffons, however, answered with a run of their own, scoring 14 of the next 19 points to take their first lead of the contest at 14-13 midway through the half.
Dudding ended the Griffon rally with a three point play, but MWSU ended the half on a 21-5 run to take a 35-21 lead into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Missouri Western State stretched the lead to 17 with 16 minutes remaining, but three straight points from junior Hailey Houser started a 8-0 run by the 'Roos pulling them to within nine at 43-34.
During the run, O'Connor knocked down a pair of free throws, while Nezianya buried a three from the top of the key.
The Kangaroos comeback, however, would be short lived as the Griffons scored the game's next seven points and 'Roos would get no closer than 14 the rest of the way, falling 68-51 in the season opener.
As a team, the 'Roos outscored the Griffons 24-16 in the paint.
The Blue & Gold will look for its first win of the season on Monday when they welcome in instate rival Southeast Missouri State to Kansas City for a 7 p.m. contest at the Swinney Recreation Center.
