SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Defeating its first Division I opponent since 2012, Missouri Western State Women's Basketball defeated the Missouri State Lady Bears 65-57 on Wednesday night at Great Southern Bank Arena.

In addition to Clarke's double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, the Griffons were led by Brionna Budgetts, who totaled 12 points and three steals, and by Jayme Jackson, who tacked on 15 points.

Missouri Western grabbed 40 rebounds in Wednesday's game compared to Missouri State's 35, led by Clarke's 12 boards.

The Missouri Western defense was a problem in Wednesday's game, forcing 17 Missouri State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 15 points on the other end of the floor. Budgetts' three steals led the way individually for the Griffons.

After falling behind 4-2, Missouri Western went on an 8-0 run with 6:34 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Mary Fultz, to take a 10-4 lead. Missouri State then responded to tie things up at 14-14 heading into the second quarter. Missouri Western did most of its first-quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 14 points close to the basket.

Missouri State then took a 24-16 lead before Missouri Western responded by going on a 10-0 run to take a 26-24 lead. The Lady Bears then came roaring back to take a 28-26 lead heading into halftime.

Missouri State continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 46-42 advantage before Missouri Western went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Jackson, to grab a 47-46 lead with 35 seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter.

Missouri State proceeded to take a 55-54 lead before Missouri Western went on a 6-0 run to seize a 60-55 lead with 2:06 to go in the contest. The Griffons kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 65-57 win. Missouri Western took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 18 points in the paint.

GAME NOTES

• The Griffons held the Lady Bears to only 35.7% shooting from the field.
• Missouri Western had a 40-35 edge on the boards in the win.
• The Missouri Western defense forced 17 turnovers.
• Clarke led the Griffons with a game-high 17 points.