ST. LOUIS, Mo.- For the first time this season, the Missouri Baptist women's basketball team headed on the road to Benedictine College, however, the team couldn't keep up with the Raven offense, falling 71-59.
The Ravens controlled the beginning of the first half, but a two point basket made by Kristyne Smyth at the 13:05 mark, tied the game up 14-14. After taking a 1-0 lead at the start of the game, the Spartans were able to take their second and final lead of the first half, as Jasmine Jackson gave MBU a 20-19 advantage, with 9:08 left on the clock.
In those final 9:00 minutes, Benedictine's offense came alive, closing out the half on a 20-9 run, leading MBU 39-29. Both teams shot over 41% from the field, with Taylor Klingelhoefer being the high scorer, chipping in seven points. The problem for the Spartans in the half was turnovers, as the team had 15 compared to the Ravens eight.
In the second half, the MBU offense got going, outscoring Benedictine 17-9 in the first 10:00 minutes, narrowing the score down at 48-46, after a two point basket made by Jackson. Then, after trailing since the 8:54 mark of the first half, Missouri Baptist was able to tie the score at 48-48, after a two pointer made by Smyth with 9:41 left to go.
Benedictine, however, answered back with a three pointer made by Jayde Reed, regaining a 51-48 lead. Jackson added a two point basket, cutting the lead down to one, but that would be the closest the Spartans would get to the Ravens.
The MBU offense went cold in the final 9:00 minutes, as the Ravens caught fire from the floor closing out the game on a 23-10 run, for the 11 point victory. For the second game in a row, Smyth led the Spartans totaling 21 points on 9-15 shooting. Jackson was second on the team, adding 10 points on 5-8 shooting and totaled five rebounds.
The Ravens had four players in double figures, led by Kelsey Anselmi with 16 points. Also reaching the double digit plateau were Justice Payne with 12, Jackie Ziesel adding 11 and Liz Sinson finishing with 10 points.
The Spartans fall to 1-2 on the early season, but will be back in action tomorrow against MidAmerica Nazarene in the Benedictine College Classic. Tip-off will start at 1:00 p.m.
