Box Score

Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist University women hosted Northwest Missouri State University Thursday night at the Meyers Sports Center. The SBU women quickly jumped out to an early lead in the first half and didn't look back as they went into halftime leading 46-30. The high scoring second half was a battle as the SBU women went on to win 84-72 in a game that saw no ties or lead changes the entire game.

The SBU women started off strong as they went on a 12-3 run going into the first media timeout. Jacqui Zelenka led the charge, scoring 6 points in the first five minutes.  SBU continued to build on their lead as they increased it to 19 (28-9) halfway through the first half. The SBU women were heating up the gym as they were shooting 76.2% from the field with 4:22 left in the half. The Bearcats took a 16 point lead into the half up 46-30.

As both teams came out fast, it set the pace for a high scoring second half. SBU was on the upper hand of a 14-11 run to start the second half with 13:21 remaining in the game. With eight minutes left to play SBU had maintained their 16 point lead from the first half leading 65-49. The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats fought back within 5 at 73-68 with 1:57 left in the contest. The SBU Bearcats fought of any chance of a comeback and hit free throws to seal an 84-72 victory.

SBU had six players in double digits. Senior Jacqui Zelenka continued her strong campaign by leading the team as she posted 16 points. Brook Duncan had 15 points, while Tanis Spani had 14 points with Mackenzie Skupa (12), Dilonna Johnson (11), and Leann Lansdown (10) also in double digits. The Bearcats shot 58.5% from the field, 44.4% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the free throw line.

The Bearcats hit the road this Saturday January 18th as they take on Missouri Western in a conference double header for the men and women basketball teams. The SBU women are set to tip off at 1:30 p.m. and the men will follow at 3:30 p.m. central standard time.