Box Score
FAYETTE, Iowa- Missouri Western State had three players reach double figures as Southwest Minnesota State lost its season opener, 76-46 on Friday night in the Dorman Gymnasium on the campus of Upper Iowa University.

The Mustangs had six true freshman make their SMSU debuts on Friday night as they kicked off the season in the MIAA/ NSIC Challenge for a third straight season.

Caleigh Rodning led SMSU in scoring with nine points in addition to seven rebounds. Erin Baxter finished second on the team with seven points in her college debut while the Mustangs' two leading rebounders from last season, Taylor Holicky and Lauren Hedlund, each added five boards in the loss.

The Mustangs' inexperience showed in their 27 total turnovers despite forcing 17 turnovers from the Griffons. Missouri Western State capitalized off of SMSU mishaps with 29 points off of turnovers to the Mustangs' 11.

SMSU was held to just 32.6 percent shooting for the game including just 7 of 23 shooting (30 percent) in the first half. SMSU also failed to knock down a three-pointer, finishing 0 of 7 from behind the arc. Missouri Western State finished the first twenty minutes 5 of 12 from long range to help boost its halftime advantage.

SMSU was held to just eight points in the opening quarter of the new season but trailed by just 11 at halftime as Missouri Western State led 33-22 heading into the break.

Missouri Western came out strong in the second with its best offensive performance in the third quarter. The Griffons outscored SMSU 24-9 in the third quarter to give Missouri Western a 57-31 lead heading into the final frame.

The Griffons held their largest lead of the game of 33 in the game's final minute as SMSU was never pull back within striking distance.

SMSU will play its second MIAA opponent of the weekend tomorrow when it takes on Fort Hays State (Kan.) at 2:30 p.m., back in the Dorman Gymnasium.