The women’s basketball team had two games on the road last week. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the Gorillas defeated Northwest Missouri (79-50) before losing to Missouri Western on Saturday, Feb. 13 (64-68).
“(Against) Northwest, we really started out well offensively and defensively,” Head Coach Amanda Davied said. “…I think we got off to a really good start versus Northwest Missouri. Really focusing on defense, got some really key stops early. Julia Johnson just played outstanding… (It was) just overall a really great game for her. She had been sick earlier in the week, so it was awesome to get that contribution from her. I think Ashton McCorry also came in off the bench and made some play plays, just really played under control. Jamie Jackson got going that game. She was three for three. So, really just great to see some kids come off the bench and give us some contributions. Sydnee Crain’s been consistent, for a while now, with defense. So, it was just a great overall team win.”
Julia Johnson, junior in therapeutic recreation, scored a career high 23 points against Northwest Missouri.
“The northwest game was a good team win,” Johnson said. “…We came out scoring and our defense was good throughout the game. The Missouri western game was a tough loss. They played zone… and they had good ball pressure. We struggled a bit but overall, we kept fighting back. It wasn’t the outcome that we wanted but we kept in the game the whole time.”
The Gorillas led 64-55 against Missouri Western with less than five minutes to play, but Missouri Western scored the last 13 points of the game to overcome the Gorillas.
“… Erin Davis played outstanding at Missouri Western,” Davied said. “She really gave us some good looks on offensive. She… had a great second half for us… Julia Johnson had… nine points, 16 rebounds total. It just wasn’t enough to get us over the hump…”
Erin Davis, junior in physical education, scored 12 points.
“…In the Western game, …I think we came back better after halftime in the third quarter,” Davis said. “As a team, we came together, and our offensive was flowing better, and our defense was more locked down.”
Despite the loss at Missouri Western, Johnson thought Davis played a great game.
“What stood out to me during those games is we had players step up and were ready to play,” Johnson said. “Erin at the Missouri Western game gave us a lift that we needed, and she found her shots in the offense. Overall, we maintained good energy and have a chance to make a run in the tournament.”
The Gorillas are headed to Joplin to take on Missouri Southern on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m.
“Well, we’re really hoping to bounce back from our loss at Missouri Western,” Davied said. “It wasn’t our best game… One more road game and then we’ll be back at home. So, traveling to Missouri Southern, we just really are gonna have to put the complete game together. It’s gonna be a rival game, of course, and so I’m sure they’re gonna be just as pumped up as we are to play that game. We beat them here (at home), so we need to try to finish out the… (season).”