JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Le'Yanna McGinnis led the Lincoln women's basketball team with 18 points, but a fast start helped Central Oklahoma hand the Blue Tigers a 96-75 loss on Saturday (Dec. 3).

McGinnis additionally grabbed seven rebounds to go with two blocks, a steal and an assist. Three other LU players scored in double figures, including AJ Bradley, who poured in 16 points, dished four assists and collected four rebounds.

Lincoln (1-6, 0-3 MIAA) began the game well, scoring the first six points of the contest after Saniya Simmons notched two steals within the first 1:10 of the opening quarter. Simmons had three steals on the afternoon as well as three assists, and chipped in two points to go with a pair of rebounds.

Central Oklahoma (4-2, 1-1 MIAA) answered in a huge way, however, scoring 17 unanswered points before Bradley got LU back on the board on a layup. UCO shot .545 in the first period and .447 for the ballgame, as well as .467 from three-point range. Lincoln, meanwhile, shot .406 for the contest, but just .273 from long distance.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 12 points and Ashlyn Alloway, who additionally provided four boards, three assists and two steals, added 10 points. Mercy Gonzalez ended the afternoon with four boards, two assists and a steal, and Aliyah Bello came off the bench to contribute five points, five rebounds, a block and a steal. Niyah Jackson recorded an assist, and Aysia Arrowood had nine points, seven rebounds, two dimes and an assist. Miriam Bazylewicz closed the scoring with three points and three rebounds.

Lincoln will close a three-game homestand on Wednesday (Dec. 7) by hosting William Jewell at 5:30 p.m. CST.