Box Score
St. Joseph, Mo. – The Bearcats traveled to Missouri Western for a conference matchup with the Griffons Wednesday evening. The Griffons defeated the Bearcats 78-64. The loss moves SBU to 6-17 (2-12 MIAA) on the 2018-19 season.
 
The Griffons took an early 4-0 lead. Caylee Richardson got the Bearcats on the board with a layup assisted by RayShee Smith. With 5:09 left in the first, Missouri Western took a 9-4 lead on a couple of free throws. Caylee Richardson responded quickly with a jumper. With 2:42 remaining, MWSU pushed their lead to 7, but SBU scored back to back buckets to stay within 3. The teams traded three pointers before the end of the quarter, ending with a 19-15 Griffon lead.
 
The Bearcats went on an 8-2 run to start the second quarter, taking the lead. Highlights of the run include a three point play by Morgan Henderson and a made three pointer by Madison Strong. Western regained the lead shortly after, but SBU wouldn't let up. Madison Strong and Caylee Richardson made big buckets to give SBU the lead once again. Bailey Rezabek and Caylee Richardson scored in the last minute of the quarter, giving the Bearcats a 35-28 lead going into halftime.
 
Missouri Western came out of the break hot, regaining the lead with 5:27 to go in the third quarter. Madison Strong made a jumper to tie things up, but the Griffons quickly converted an and-one play. SBU responded with a made three by Madison Strong, followed by a Caylee Richardson layup. By the end of the quarter, Missouri Western was in control, leading 54-50.
 
For the rest of the game, the Griffons had their foot on the gas. A little over a minute into the fourth, the home team stretched their lead to 9. With 6:31 to go, they pushed their lead to 16, outscoring the Bearcats 66-50. Laura Vierkant made a couple free throws and Tyra Kidd scored a basket in the final minute, but the Bearcats couldn't overcome the Griffon lead, falling 64-78.
 
Caylee Richardson went 10-12 from the field, scoring 22 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Madison Strong went 5-7 from the field, scoring 13 points. Bailey Rezabek also contributed 12 points, shooting 50% from the field.
 
The Bearcats continue their MIAA road trip up north, taking on Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, February 16 at 1:30 PM.