PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Lincoln women's basketball team trailed by just two at halftime, but a big second half allowed Pittsburg State to escape with the win in the MIAA opener for both programs on Monday evening (Nov. 28). LU blocked four shots and forced 12 turnovers, but dropped a 78-54 decision to the Gorillas.

Le'Yanna McGinnis had a big night, leading the Blue Tigers in scoring (23 points), rebounding (six) and blocks (three). Mercy Gonzalez and Saniya Simmons each dished two assists, with Gonzalez collecting five rebounds and chipping in four points. Simmons led LU with three steals and scored two points.

Lincoln (1-4, 0-1 MIAA) trailed by six following the first period, but pulled to within 22-21 on a three-pointer from Kelsey Mitchell with 5:56 to play in the half. Ashlyn Alloway later hit a jumper late in the second quarter, and Mitchell stole the ball to give Lincoln an opportunity for the final shot before halftime. Miriam Bazylewicz attempted a three, but it missed the mark, and the Blue Tigers entered the break trailing, 31-29.

Pittsburg State (5-1, 1-0 MIAA) came out strong in the second half, shooting .833 in the third quarter and .714 in the fourth. Lincoln held the Gorillas to just four successful shots from three-point land, but managed to shoot only .377 for the contest. Mitchell finished second among the Blue Tigers with eight points to go with three rebounds, and Alloway ended the day with six points and five boards as well as a steal.

AJ Bradley came off the bench to provide five points and a pair of rebounds, Aliyah Bello scored four points and Bazylewicz added two points and four boards. Niyah Jackson rounded out LU with a block, an assist and a rebound.

The Blue Tigers will open their home slate on Thursday night (Dec. 1) by hosting Newman at 5:30 p.m. CST.