Saint Joe, Mo.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team played Missouri Western State for a midweek match that resulted in a 94- 65 loss. The Spires are now 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the KCAC.

Jerrica Johnson and Tanea Sims got things started for the Spires offensively, but the Griffons wasted no time as they responded with a 14-point scoring run. Late scores by Kaylani Hoskin and Paige Pendley cut the Griffons lead to 24-14 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter started with another run by the Griffons, this time putting them up 36-16. The Spires tried their best to keep pace with the Griffons high-powered offense, but went into halftime trailing 52-24.

The second half showed promise for Saint Mary as Pendley and Alanis Delgado hit early shots to keep USM in the game. However, the Griffons went on another run to end the third quarter leading 76-46. The Spires fought until the end, but the Griffons stout defense was able to close the game out with a 94-65 win. Delgado led the Spires with 16 points while Sims had a team high seven rebounds.

Up Next: Saint Mary will travel to play Columbia College at 2 p.m. on January 1st in Columbia, Mo.