Western Illinois 71, Missouri-Kansas City 48
Recap | Stats
MACOMB, Ill. – (UMKC Media Relations) The Missouri-Kansas City women’s basketball team returned to Macomb, Ill., on Tuesday morning to renew their rivalry with long time Summit League foe Western Illinois, but would come away with the loss, falling to WIU 71-48 at Western Hall.
With the loss, the Kangaroos fall to 1-3 on the season, while the Leathernecks improve to 3-3.
Aries Washington led the ‘Roos in the loss, notching career-high’s with 15 points and six rebounds.
The ‘Roos battled with the Leathernecks early in the contest when they went on a 9-2 run that featured five points, including a three, from Calli White and a layups from both Kiana Law and Grace Mitchell and put UMKC in front 9-6.
Western Illinois came back with the 11 straight points to reclaim the lead by eight, but twice the ‘Roos would trim the margin to just four including late in the half When Chandler Roof drilled a pair of jumpers to bring it to 26-22.
A three by the Leathernecks, though, would be the half’s final points as the home team took a 29-22 lead into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Western Illinois would put the game away with a 14-4 run over the first five minutes of play that stretched the lead to 20.
Twice, the ‘Roos managed to cut the lead down to 18 on baskets by Taylor Leathers and Grace Mitchell, but WIU would extend the lead to a game-high 24 before coming away with the 71-48 victory.
The Blue & Gold will be back in action after the Thanksgiving holiday when they welcome in George Mason, Mississippi Valley State and Abilene Christian to Kansas City for the Plaza Lights Classic on Nov. 28-29. The ‘Roos will open on Friday against the Devils at 1 p.m., while the Patriots and Wildcats play at 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Patriots and Devils will begin the day at the Swinney Recreation Center at 1 p.m., with the ‘Roos and the Wildcats following at 3:30 p.m.