JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Both teams defended well, but Northwest Missouri took advantage of a big third quarter to get by the Lincoln women's basketball team, 56-43, on Saturday (Dec. 11).

Le'Yanna McGinnis came one rebound shy of a double-double, as she led LU with 16 points and nine boards. AJ Bradley also finished in double figures, tallying 10 points, three rebounds, two steals, an assist and a pair of blocks. As a team, the Blue Tigers blocked seven shots on Saturday.

The first quarter was a closely contested defensive affair, with just four combined points scored by the two teams entering the under-5:00 media timeout. The pace quickened during the period's final four minutes, with Northwest Missouri (7-1, 3-0 MIAA) taking a 13-8 after the first 10 minutes.

Lincoln (4-5, 0-3 MIAA) battled back in the second quarter, eventually tying the game at 15 on a free throw by McGinnis. After another run by the Bearcats, Imani Jones made a jumper in the closing seconds to make the score 25-20 at halftime. Jones scored eight points for the Blue Tigers and grabbed six rebounds, tallied a pair of steals and had an assist to go with a block.

The third quarter belonged to the Bearcats, however, with Northwest Missouri out-scoring the Blue Tigers 17-9 to take control of the game. The fourth quarter was evenly played, as both teams scored 14 points. For the game, Lincoln shot .281 from the floor and held the Bearcats to .361 shooting overall. 

Mercy Gonzalez blocked two shots and gathered five rebounds, Aliyah Bello, Kelsey Mitchell and Hya Haywood each had rebounds and Niyah Jackson finished with two points, a board and an assist. Ayreona Carter scored five points and pulled down two rebounds while Deija Jackson contributed two points and a pair of assists. 

The Blue Tigers are next in action on Wednesday (Dec. 15) in Pittsburg, Kan. as Lincoln plays Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m. CST.