From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
EMPORIA, Kan. — Missouri Southern went on a 12-2 run to start the second half and beat Eastern New Mexico 76-58 Saturday in the final night of the Emporia State Tip-Off Classic at White Auditorium.
The Lions won for the second time in as many nights, upending Evangel in their opener, to give them a lift after dropping their season opener against Northeastern Oklahoma.
“This was a great weekend for our team,” said Lions coach Maryann Mitts. “We improved a lot from our loss against Northeastern. This was an important pivotal weekend for us to gain some confidence with such an inexperienced team.”
Southern led 33-29 at halftime before opening the gap to start the final period.
“For the second night in a row, we were very explosive in the first four minutes of the second half,” Mitts said.
Junior Jasmine Lovejoy played a big role in the 12-2 run, scoring 10 of those points on three layups, a jump shot and two free throws.
Lovejoy, who hit eight of 12 field goals and five of six free throws, finished with a game-high 21 points and added nine rebounds. Sophomore Michelle Hedgecock added 11 points and took top honors in rebounding with 10.
Others scoring in double figures for the Lions were Randi Henderson with 11 and Jolea Apon with 10.
Cat Clay led Eastern New Mexico (0-3) with 20 points.
Mitts said Southern improved in the turnover department, committing 13 to Eastern New Mexico’s 19, as well as free throws, missing only five in 24 trips to the line.
The Lions will host their Thanksgiving Classic this week, opening against Avilla at 4 p.m. Friday.
following the 2 p.m. matchup between Emporia State and Arkansas-Fort Smith.
