Owls women’s basketball loses to Blackburn in final seconds, 76-74

By a narrow margin, Mississippi University for Women’s women’s basketball team lost to Blackburn College 76-74 in a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game Saturday at Pohl Gym.

The Owls (4-15, 3-8 SLIAC) led by 13 points in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on. Blackburn (5-15, 4-8 SLIAC) finished the game on a 24-9 run, erasing the deficit and securing the victory.

MUW appeared to be in control with a 65-52 lead with 7:23 remaining. However, the team cooled offensively, making just three of 11 field goals down the stretch. Meanwhile, Blackburn shot 9-for-16 during that span, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the final three minutes.

With the game on the line, Jakayla Smith scored a layup with six seconds remaining to put MUW ahead 74-72. After a timeout, Blackburn’s Elexus Frey hit a three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left to seal the win for the Beavers.

Senior Conley Langford led all scorers with 25 points, including 15 in the second half. She also contributed eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Smith and Mia Bowen each scored 19 points. Bowen added 16 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season and blocked five shots, increasing her national-leading total to 75.

Calysia Phillips finished with five steals, while Kate Wilkins and Fantasia Wilson each grabbed four rebounds. The Owls will host Eureka College at home on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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