LAMONI, Iowa — The Missouri Baptist University women's basketball team survived a furious second-half rally to edge Graceland University 57–55 on Saturday afternoon in Lamoni, Iowa, securing its third Heart of America Athletic Conference win. 

Rebecca Fraley led the Spartans with a strong bench performance, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal in 19 minutes. Riley Jansen and Paula Puzule added 10 points and nine rebounds apiece. 

The Spartans built a 22-point lead in the third quarter before Graceland stormed back with a 29-point period to erase the deficit. Tied 55–55 in the final seconds, Jansen drew a foul with two seconds remaining and calmly knocked down both free throws to secure the win. 

MBU controlled the first half with stellar defense, holding the Yellowjackets to just four points in the second quarter to build a 35–16 halftime lead. The Spartans knocked down six 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and forced 10 turnovers. 

Graceland's comeback was fueled by Oliviya Tinoco, who scored 22 points and hit four 3-pointers. Twelve of her points came during the third-quarter surge that helped the Yellowjackets pull within 47–45 heading into the fourth. 

The Spartans outrebounded Graceland 44–33 and shot 93 percent from the free-throw line (13 of 14). MBU's bench also contributed 23 points. 

Missouri Baptist University will travel to face Benedictine College (Kan.) on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. in Atchison for its sixth conference matchup of the season.