Saluki women’s basketball (7-13, 2-8) held their own against Missouri State (14-5, 8-2), keeping pace with the Bears only to falter in the final 10 minutes, losing 62-52 at home on Saturday.
“I thought it was a pretty well played game for three quarters,” Saluki head coach Kelly Bond-White said. “Pretty evenly matched game for three quarters.”
The end of the third saw a key turning point as the Salukis held the lead in a two-point game before the Bears left them scoreless for the next seven minutes during a 10-0 Missouri State run into the fourth.
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The loss extended the Salukis’ losing streak to three, leaving them tied for tenth in the conference, while the Bears now stand at 14-5 and remain third in the Valley.
Jaidynn Mason led the Dawgs in scoring with 21 points, along with four rebounds and three assists. Lacy Stokes led Missouri State with 14 points and five assists, as well as grabbing five rebounds.
The Saluki offense struggled in comparison to the Bears, missing 10 more shots leading to a large margin in rebounds.
“You have to be able to compete on both ends of the floor,” Bond-White said. “It’s not just about jacking up shots, it’s about stopping possessions on the other end.”
Saturday marked the Salukis’ sixth loss in their last seven games dating back to their Jan. 10 matchup against Illinois State. Five of these losses have been within 10 points including Saturday.
“We’re gonna have to do some things a little bit differently,” Bond-White said. “…You go back to the drawing board and you start over and repeat.”
Banterra Center welcomed several women’s athletic programs including volleyball, women’s golf, softball and women’s swim and dive to celebrate “National Girls and Womens In Sports Day” as well as some local girls basketball programs. The Saluki teams in attendance signed posters, t-shirts and other memorabilia.
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The Salukis will play two games at home next weekend starting with Murray State (13-6, 6-4) Friday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m., followed by Valley leader Belmont (16-5, 9-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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