JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln women's basketball team enjoyed one of its hottest shooting nights of the season in the first half, but a third quarter rally helped Pittsburg State get past the Blue Tigers, 83-76, on Thursday evening (Dec. 10).

Lincoln (0-4, 0-4 MIAA) shot .518 for the game, .667 in the first period and .583 in the second. The Blue Tigers shot .667 from three-point range in the opening half, and scored 42 points inside the paint, including 13 on fast breaks. After Lincoln led, 20-16, after one, the Gorillas managed to tie the game with a late bucket for a 39-39 halftime score.

The third quarter proved to be the difference, as Pittsburg State (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) managed to score 30 points on .526 shooting, connecting on five shots from long distance while making all five of its free throw tries. Lincoln trailed by nine after three, but stormed back to get within 77-73 late in the fourth. The Gorillas, who shot .455 from three-point range for the evening, held off the Blue Tigers to escape with the win.

Niyah Jackson led LU with 22 points and nine assists, and grabbed four rebounds to go with two steals. Vivian Chigbu had 15 points, seven boards, a steal and an assist on the evening, and Kiara Cadore added 10 points. Ashtin Ingram, meanwhile, blocked three shots, chipped in five points and had four rebounds and a steal.

Joseline Ramos provided seven points off the bench, and Haylie Holloway contributed six points, six rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals. Aliyah Bello also scored six and grabbed four rebounds, and Virja Lewis closed out the scoring with five points, six boards and an assist. 

Lincoln will close out its December home slate on Saturday (Dec. 12), as the Blue Tigers welcome Central Missouri to Jason Gym for a 1:00 p.m. CST contest.