JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln women's basketball team opened the home portion of its 2021-22 conference slate on Thursday night (Dec. 9), but a big first half helped Missouri Western earn the win, 88-52.

Kelsey Mitchell led the Blue Tigers with 12 points, including making three treys, and Mercy Gonzalez finished with nine points, three rebounds and a pair of assists. Le'Yanna McGinnis and Niyah Jackson each tied for the team-high with five rebounds apiece, and McGinnis scored eight points and had a block and a steal. Niyah Jackson chipped in six points and dished three assists.

Missouri Western (7-0, 3-0 MIAA) jumped out to a 19-9 first quarter lead, and out-scored the Blue Tigers by 13 in the second period to take control of the ballgame. Lincoln (4-4, 0-2 MIAA) scored 10 points off 13 MWSU turnovers, but shot .340 from the field and lost the rebounding battle, 42-28.

AJ Bradley also scored eight points and collected two rebounds, and Ashtin Ingram provided five points, two boards and a block. Aliyah Bello grabbed two rebounds, Hya Haywood added two points and a steal, and Deija Jackson contributed a rebound to the Lincoln cause. Imani Jones closed the scoring for LU with two points, three boards and a steal.

Lincoln remains at home on Saturday (Dec. 11) to host Northwest Missouri at 1:00 p.m. CST.