ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University women's basketball erased a 15-point first-half deficit and held off a late push to defeat Missouri Valley 56-53 on Wednesday night. With the win, the Spartans improve to 10-13 overall and 9-8 in conference play.
Riley Jansen led Missouri Baptist with 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists. Abigail Williams recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, anchoring the Spartans on the glass. Paula Puzule chipped in 10 points, while Jenna Plymale added 11.
Missouri Baptist struggled out of the gate, shooting just 15.4% in the first quarter as Missouri Valley opened on an 8-0 run and built a 16-5 lead after one. The Vikings extended their advantage to as many as 15 in the second quarter behind 30 first-half points from Jessica Reeter, who finished with a game-high 30.
The Spartans began to settle in late in the second quarter and carried that momentum into the third quarter. Missouri Baptist held Missouri Valley scoreless from the field in the third, limiting the Vikings to just four points in the period while shooting 46.7% themselves. A 3-pointer from Abigail Williams and back-to-back baskets from Jenna Plymale helped flip the deficit into a lead.
Missouri Baptist outscored Missouri Valley 18-4 in the third quarter to take a 39-36 advantage into the final frame.
The fourth quarter featured five lead changes. After Missouri Valley tied the game at 39 early in the period, Puzule knocked down a 3-pointer to regain the edge. Jansen continued to attack the rim, and a late 3-pointer from Orian Anderson gave the Spartans a two-possession cushion with under 30 seconds to play.
Williams sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final seconds, securing the 56-53 comeback victory.
Missouri Baptist finished shooting 37.9% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc while out-rebounding Missouri Valley 40-32. The Spartans also held a 22-12 advantage in points in the paint.
Missouri Baptist returns to action Saturday as the Spartans continue conference play at home. Tip-off is scheduled for noon with senior day activities beforehand.
