ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University women's basketball team established a strong defensive presence early and did just enough damage in the first quarter to hold off Harris-Stowe State University on Thursday, 63-58. Coming into the game allowing 84 points per game, the Spartan defense had by far its best outing of the year allowing a season-low 58 points to the visiting Hornets.
 
While the two teams mirrored one another in the first two minutes of the game, Missouri Baptist (3-5, 2-2 AMC) showed no mercy for the rest of the quarter holding Harris-Stowe State scoreless for a nine-minute stretch. Disrupted by MBU's defense, the Hornets shot an abysmal 2-for-14 (.142) in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Spartans pounced on the opportunity and went on an 11-0 run during HSSU's drought.
 
The Hornets were able to snap out of their funk in the second quarter, but still trailed the Spartans by eight at halftime following a 6-0 run to end the half. MBU's Caroline Rogers was one of several players to come off the bench and provide a spark both offensively and defensively. The sophomore from Grays Summit, Mo., led the team in points (6) and rebounds (4) at halftime. On the night, the 5-5 guard made the most of her playing time tying a career-high in scoring (8) and steals (2), while setting a new career-best in rebounding with six.
 
Like Rogers, Wassef was another key contributor to come off the bench. The fellow sophomore totaled eight points and was spot-on from long range hitting two of her three attempts.
 
Offensively for the Spartans, the story of the game was senior guard Alissa Rowden. She hit clutch shot after clutch shot in the paint, beyond-the-arc, and at the free-throw line, and for the second time this season, she scored 20+ points. Rowden finished the night with a stat line of 21 points (5-of-12 FG, 3-of-7 3PT, 8-of-9 FT), four rebounds, an assist and a steal.
 
Another notable performance included Le'Ondra Wison, who scored seven points to go along with a career-high eight rebounds.
 
Playing what will be their third game in five days, the Spartans have another tough test as they travel to Fulton, Mo. on Saturday to take on William Woods University. The Owls have won three straight including a 74-65 overtime thriller over previously undefeated and No. 4-ranked Columbia College on Thursday.