By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
TOPEKA - The Missouri Western women's basketball team played arguably its most complete game of the year Tuesday in an 80-47 road win at Washburn at Lee Arena.
The No. 22 Griffons (17-3, 11-3 MIAA) came out fast and never slowed down, getting off to an 18-5 start in the first five minutes and not looking back.
"I thought it was a big time win," head coach Candi Whitaker said. "We really set the tone in all aspects of the game and really controlled the game from start to finish. Our tempo was fantastic and I think we wore them down in transition."
The Griffons shot 49.2% from the field and 46% (6-13) from three-point land, while holding the Ichabods (9-10, 7-6 MIAA) to just 33% shooting and forcing 18 turnovers.
"We just did a great job defensively as a unit and on individuals," Whitaker said. "We didn't make a lot of mistakes."
Brionna Budgetts scored 13 of her game-high 19 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3PT) in the first quarter to help Western take early control. Connie Clarke added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Jaelyn Haggard chipped in 11 points off the bench, including a pair of made threes.
Corbyn Cunningham chipped in eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds. The win is Missouri Western's fifth straight and their 11 MIAA wins is tied for most in the league.
"I really feel like this team really wants it," Whitaker said. "How they prep and their energy on the bus and when they got off the bus. I told them they're probably the loosest group I've ever coached and I'm learning to adjust and adapt to that. It's when they're at their best, they're having a lot of fun playing basketball and it shows."
The Griffons return home on Saturday for a huge rivalry showdown with Northwest Missouri State. Tip-off from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 5 p.m.
The Bearcats (14-6) beat the Griffons 49-46 in their last meeting in Maryville on Dec. 18.
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