WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Women's Basketball notched its second win of the season Wednesday night, earning a 65-57 victory over non-conference foe Missouri Southern State.
The win gives the Lady Bulldogs won back after falling to MSSU 49-44 last year in Joplin.
Elle Papahronis opened the scoring for the Dawgs with a turnaround jumper less than a minute into the game. Both teams traded baskets early before an 11-0 Bulldog run midway through the quarter pushed the lead to 19-11. SWOSU knocked down two threes during the surge, while
Landry Allen provided a defensive spark with three blocks. The Dawgs closed the frame with 23 points — their highest-scoring quarter of the season.
After an offense-heavy first, SWOSU's defense took control in the second. The Dawgs held MSSU to just 26.7% shooting and only 10 points. Six different Bulldogs scored in the quarter, led by Allen's five. SWOSU continued its strong rim protection with four more blocks and outscored the Lions by seven to take a 40-29 lead into halftime.
SWOSU carried that momentum into the third quarter, as
Sincere Jackson blocked a layup just 13 seconds into the half. The Dawgs forced four steals in the period and held MSSU to 0-for-5 from three and 30% shooting overall.
Piper Patterson scored twice early in the frame to keep the offense moving.
The fourth quarter was the only period SWOSU didn't outscore its opponent, as the Lions tried to rally from a 14-point deficit. MSSU put together a 10-2 run over nearly four and a half minutes to cut the margin to seven, but the Dawgs held firm. Papahronis knocked down a pair of free throws with 22 seconds left to seal the win.
Allen led SWOSU with 18 points and dominated defensively with nine blocks — a single-game program record. Papahronis added 15 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while
Lacy Brough chipped in eight off the bench. Despite losing the turnover battle 22-12, SWOSU shot nearly 42% and matched its season high with seven made three-pointers.
SWOSU improves to 2-1 on the season, while the Lions fall to 1-2. The Dawgs return to the Pioneer Event Center on Monday, November 24th, hosting Lubbock Christian at 5:30 p.m.
