Lions upend Avila, 69-40

Box Score

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Freshman Meghan Welch (Goddard, Kan.) scored a game-high 18 points as the Missouri Southern Lions concluded non-conference action by handing the Avila Lady Eagles a 69-40 loss Tuesday night (Jan. 3) at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern improved its overall record to 8-5, while the Lady Eagles, an NAIA D-II squad, fell to 6-9 on the season.

The Lions wasted no time in jumping on the Lady Eagles, racing to a 13-2 lead during the first six minutes of action on the strength of six early points from sophomore Robin Kantin (Silver Spring, Md.).

MSSU continued to increase the lead and led by as many as 25 in the opening half, before settling for a 38-14 advantage at halftime.

The Lady Eagles scored the first six points of the second half to cut the lead to 18, but Southern quickly regained control and outscored Avila 10-2 over the next 4:30 to push the lead back to 26. The 29-point margin of victory was the Lions' largest of the contest.

Kantin and redshirt freshman Danielle DeVader (Holton, Kan.) joined Welch in double-figures with 11 points apiece. Kantin also pulled down a game-high seven rebounds for the Lions.

The Lady Eagles were led by Ashley Townsend, who finished with 10 points.

The Lions get back into MIAA action Saturday by playing at Truman State Saturday afternoon (Jan. 7) at 1:30 p.m. in Kirksville, Mo.