MBU Athletics

ST. LOUIS – While unforeseen issues with the court caused MBU Women's Basketball's first home game of the season to be cut short, the Spartan's early successes carried them to their first victory over Crowley's Ridge College, 66-33. 

Missouri Baptist took little time getting the home crowd into the contest, opening their night with a three pointer from Jenna Plymale off the pass of Abby Kreitner just 11 seconds in. Plymale was the hot hand to begin, making a second jumper just a few second later. 

The Pioneers were able to settle early turnover problems and get on the board with a free throw at the 7:50 mark. MBU gave up little otherwise, piling up their lead with pace-pushing plays. At the conclusion of the 1st quarter, the Spartans held a hefty 26-10 lead. 

The second period was even more dominant by Missouri Baptist, forcing seven turnovers and allowing just five points. Even scoring output from Madelyn Eads (13), Kamryn Winch (4), Plymale (4), Sydney Reddin (4), and Katherine Macleod (4) put MBU up 49-15 entering the break. 

Although the problem was already present, the third quarter is where issues with the court became a concern. Moisture plagued the hardwood, causing players to slip occasionally. A decision was made to play through the quarter before calling the game to keep all players safe. Unfortunately for Crowley's Ridge, this quarter was their most efficient, scoring 18 points, including four threes on many attempts. MBU scored 17 themselves, holding onto their lead at the conclusion of the contest. 

Winch and Plymale led MBU in scoring with 13 and 12 respectively, the prior grabbing a team-high seven rebound as well. Eva Parks was a force off the bench, adding 11. 

Missouri Baptist flipped the script on their mistakes from game one, scoring 20 points off turnovers, while CRC was able to score just three. Second chance and bench points also made the difference, with MBU dominated the margins by 12 and 21 in the two categories. Lastly, what was a strength in their opener was a strength again tonight, as the Spartans scored over half of their points (34) in the paint. 

While the game did not play out in the ideal way, Missouri Baptist Women's Basketball was able to pick up their first win on the season and will look to carry that momentum into a matchup with a familiar face in the Harris-Stowe State Hornets on Friday, November 6th at 5 p.m. in the Petty SRC.