ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] For all intents and purposes, Thursday's game against Park (Mo.) was as must-win a game as Missouri Baptist Women's Basketball had played all season. Thanks to a tireless offensive effort and a dominating performance on the boards, Missouri Baptist pulled away early and held its ground throughout in a 91-72 win at home.
Missouri Baptist (9-14, 8-11 AMC) went to a shock and awe strategy against Park as the Spartans sought-out revenge after suffering a defeat to the Pirates earlier in the season. Within the first minutes of the game, it was clear that the offense was firing on all cylinders. The Spartans jumped out to the tune of 28 points in the opening 10 minutes and carried a 28-18 lead into the second quarter.
Missouri Baptist shot an impressive 61 percent from the field in the opening quarter of play and ended the half at 54 percent, statistically one of the best of the season for the Spartans.
The Spartans offense picked apart the Pirate defense all night as the slick passing of Danna Jenkins and Riley Reddin fueled the post play. The duo combined for 13 of the team's 20 assists on the night.
Amanda Scott, who tied for the team lead with 22 points. was one of the recipients of the tight passing. The junior, who feasted on the boards against the Pirates on December 29 with 15, equaled that total again on Thursday, tying her career high.
Shay Robinson was hot from the outset and armed with three triples, finished with 22 points of her own. It was the 16th double digit game of the season for the Decatur, Ill., native.
Perhaps the standout performance of the night, however, came from a freshman. Megan Fassino reached new highs on Thursday in her collegiate career. The McAlester, Okla., native exploded for a career-high of 15 points in just over 16 minutes of court time.
Thursday's win, combined with a Williams Baptist (Ark.) loss elevated the Spartans back to seventh place in the American Midwest Conference Standings.
Missouri Baptist will now await a date with Columbia College on Saturday in St. Louis. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
