ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist women's basketball offense struggled early on Monday night against Benedictine University – Springfield, but the team rallied in the second half on the way to a 78-61 win. MBU will advance to the quarterfinals of the American Midwest Conference Tournament with the victory.

Missouri Baptist (11-20, 7-11) began the game with two quick buckets, but the Bulldogs fired back. Benedictine's Alexandria Barnett hit a three from the corner just before Lucille Allen hit a jumper in the paint to take a brief 5-4 lead.

MBU took control for much of the remainder of the half. Led by a balanced attack, the Spartans regained the lead and held an 11-7 advantage nearly halfway through the first 20 minutes and continued to improve on the offensive end.

Lauren Taylor and Haley Elders combined for 14 points and MBU recorded nine steals overall as the team entered the break with a 34-28 lead.

The second half began with a flurry of buckets by the team from Springfield. The Bulldogs made their first four shots in a row and cut the deficit to one with just over two minutes played. The Spartans, however, were up to the task.

MBU went on a 17-4 run to take a 53-39 lead and never let-up. The Spartans shot 38 percent in the second half as a team en-route to a 78-61 win. Lauren Taylor led the team with 18 points while Iesha McDaniel finished just short of a double-double (9 points, 12 rebounds). Jasmine Jackson and Taylor Klingelhoefer also finished the night in double digits.

The Scots were led by Veronica Lawson in the game. Lawson finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Brittany Rush also had a big night. She recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

With the victory, MBU will advance to the quarterfinals of the AMC Tournament. The team will travel to Batesville, Ark., to face the No. 17-ranked Lyon College on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. at the Becknell Gymnasium.