Bolivar, Mo. – Southwest Baptist women's basketball dropped a tough matchup against GLVC leader University of Missouri–St. Louis on Saturday afternoon inside the Meyer Sports Center. UMSL improved to 8–0 in conference play and 11–2 overall, while SBU moved to 5–8 on the season and 2–5 in league action.

The Tritons built momentum early, using strong inside play and second-chance points to pull away in the first half. UMSL was led by Mara Rieder, who consistently scored in the paint and had 26 points. 
Southwest Baptist was led by junior center Claudia Diez Sancho, who finished with 12 points and four rebounds while also making an impact defensively with multiple blocked shots in the lane. Ida Lusadisu N'Gonda gave SBU a big boost off the bench, scoring 10 points, pulling down several rebounds, and recording three blocks, helping slow UMSL's interior attack.

Natalia Crooke also had a strong afternoon for the Bearcats, scoring 11 points and knocking down three three-pointers. Tinu Fakunle added 8 points and provided energy on both ends of the floor, while Eviyon Richardson and Carolina Crawford each contributed with steals that led to fast-break chances.

The Bearcats will return to action on Thursday, January 15, when they travel to Lebanon, Illinois, to take on McKendree, currently the fourth-place team in the GLVC standings.