Shorthanded Owls Fall to Greenville 68-64 in SLIAC Clash

The Mississippi University for Women women’s basketball team fell 68-64 at Greenville University in a key St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game Thursday night.

The Owls (4-13, 3-6 SLIAC) faced challenges with two starters sidelined due to illness and weather. They also lost their inside player Mia Bowen to a leg injury midway through the third quarter, impacting their effort against the Panthers (6-13, 5-5 SLIAC).

At the time Bowen went down, MUW trailed by a single point, 43-42. Her return in the final minutes of the game sparked a comeback, as she scored 10 of her team’s 13 points in the last seven minutes. Despite her efforts, the Owls could not overcome a late deficit.

Bowen finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. She also recorded five steals and five blocks, the latter bringing her season total to 63, ranking second nationally, according to the school.

Jakayla Smith added a career-high 17 points, making 7 of 10 shots and hitting three three-pointers before fouling out with 6:09 remaining. Rhianna Dinkins and Conley Langford contributed 12 and 13 points, respectively, with Langford grabbing eight rebounds.

The Owls were out-rebounded 51-38, partly due to injuries and a short bench. MUW will attempt to rebound Saturday at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source: Original Article