Owls Clinch Tie for Second in SLIAC After Win Over Westminster

COLUMBUS, Miss. — The Mississippi University for Women men’s basketball team is now tied for second place in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings after beating Westminster College 78-74 at Pohl Gym.

The Owls (14-10, 10-5 SLIAC) extended their winning streak to four games by defeating the Bluejays (6-19, 2-13 SLIAC). Their victory, combined with Lyon College’s 77-63 loss to league leader Webster, places MUW in a strong position to qualify for the SLIAC tournament. The Owls are hopeful for a top-two seed, which would include a first-round bye. To secure second place outright, MUW needs to beat Webster, which is undefeated at 15-0 in conference play, on Saturday.

Junior Tyler Shephard led MUW with 24 points, shooting 10-for-15. Sophomore Tray Huguley continued his streak of double-digit scoring games with 20 points on 9-for-12 shooting, adding eight rebounds and two blocks. Fellow sophomore Joe Haze Austin scored 17 points, including a school-record 10 steals, along with seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Senior Trent Walker contributed 10 points and nine rebounds in his final home game before Senior Day.

MUW entered the game leading NCAA Division III in shooting percentage at 52.0%. They improved that to 54.2% against Westminster, making 32 of 59 shots. The team’s game on Saturday at Webster will be preceded by Senior Day honors for Walker and Jackson Reid.

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