Box Score

Bolivar, Mo. - After going down 99-98 with 13 seconds remaining in the game, SBU guard Brittney Dukes took the game into her own hands, hitting a game winning layup to lead SBU to a 100-99 overtime victory over Missouri Western. Dukes was one of four Bearcats in double figures in the win.

The Bearcats came out ready to fight against the Griffons of Missouri Western on Tuesday night in Bolivar. The Bearcats played an excellent game, shooting well from the field and hitting clutch shots all night long against Missouri Western. After trailing by five early in the first half, the Bearcats took over the lead and took a 44-39 halftime lead off of a buzzer beater three point shot from Dukes. The Griffons and the Bearcats went back and forth the entire second half, with the second half ending at an 85-85 tie. The Bearcats would find themselves down by 3 in overtime before Dukes took over. Dukes hit a clutch three with 1:10 remaining in overtime to give SBU a 97-94 lead. Missouri Western would fight back and take a 99-98 lead before Dukes would drive to the basket and make the game winning shot with 3 seconds left on the clock.

Dukes had a spectacular game, scoring a career high 31 points while going 11 for 12 from the free throw line. Jacqui Zelenka played outstanding as well, tying her career high of 20 points while providing 4 assists and grabbing 3 rebounds in the victory. LaKendra Smith gave the Bearcats a double-double down low with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Tanis Spani hit four clutch three point shots giving SBU 12 points.

The Bearcats shot 47.1% from the field, 46.4% from beyond the arc, and 77.8% from the free throw line. The Bearcats out-rebounded the Griffons 40-38 while dishing out 24 assists compared to the Griffons 22. The game saw 14 lead changes and 10 ties.

"I'm really proud of our team, we had so many people step up," head coach Todd Voss commented. "When you're looking for a player of the game, it's hard to pick just one. Brittney hit clutch shots down the stretch, but everyone contributed throughout the game to allow us to be in a position to win it. I'm really proud of our team. That's exactly what we needed and we need to grow from this and take positive energy and move forward."

The Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday, January 21 when they host Central Missouri. Tip-off is set for 5:30 from the Meyer Wellness Center in Bolivar.