JOPLIN, Mo. - A big first quarter propelled Missouri Southern to a 103-58 win over the Lincoln women's basketball team in its final game of 2021 on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 18).

Ayreona Carter led Lincoln with 14 points and AJ Bradley chipped in 10 while both players grabbed three rebounds. Bradley also had a pair of steals, Bailey Lewis blocked a shot and pulled down a rebound, and Mercy Gonzalez finished with seven points, five boards and an assist.

Missouri Southern (7-3, 4-1 MIAA) shot .474 from the field, including .542 in a first quarter that ended with the Lions holding a 32-13 lead. Lincoln (4-7, 0-5 MIAA) forced Missouri Southern into 13 turnovers, but the Blue Tigers shot just .292 for the ballgame, and were out-rebounded, 59-32.

Imani Jones had six points and five rebounds, Hya Haywood added six points and three boards, and Kelsey Mitchell scored five points while Aliyah Bello chipped in four. Haylie Holloway supplied two points and a pair of assists, and Kylie Bernskoetter led LU with three steals while tallying two points, two boards and an assist.Le'Yanna McGinnis also had two points on Saturday.

The Blue Tigers return to the court on New Year's Day, as Lincoln hosts Emporia State on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. CST.