FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 17, 2007

Lions move to 2-0 with a 52-43 win over Incarnate Word

Box Score

Austin, Texas - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team took a lead just two minutes into the second half on a layup from Tynesha Pierce and wouldn't trail then on out, defeating Incarnate Word today, 52-43 in the team's final game at the St. Edwards University Classic in Austin.

Southern (2-0) scored the game's first points on a bucket from Fatai Hala'Api'Api in the game's first possession.

A layup from UIW's (1-1) Kim Robinson at the 16 minute mark, however, gave the Cardinals a six point lead at 10-4.

The Lions re-took the lead at 21-20 on a layup from Robin Kantin with five minutes left. Three's from Danielle DeVader, first at the three minute mark and another with just over a minute left gave the Lions a one point advantage each time, however, a free throw from UIW's Kava Cinnamon with 22 seconds left, gave the Cardinals a one point lead at the half.

Pierce tied the game at 30 with a free-throw to start the second half and her bucket just two minutes in gave the Lions a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The lead was as big as 11, after a free throw from Trice Bonner with 22 seconds remaining, one of six she made in the final 46 seconds.

Bonner led the Lions with 12 points, going 2-3 from the field 2-2 from long range and 6-6 from the charity stripe. All of those shots happened in the game's final minute. Kantin had 11 points and five assists, while Pierce scored 10. The Lions were 14-18 from the free throw line and the Lions' bench outscored UIW 28-9.

The Lions went 2-0 at the St. Edwards Tournament defeating the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Heartland Conference.

Southern now will prepare for the Pittsburg State Thanksgiving Classic next Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24 at John Lance Arena. The Lions will play St. Mary's of Kansas on Friday at 5:30 pm and will finish off with Quincy University at 5:30 pm on Saturday.