Jennies Close Out Regular Season with 79-45 Win

Redshirt senior Morgan VanHyfte is called onto the court with the starting lineup. After Senior Day celebrations, the Jennies took on the Lincoln Blue Tigers for the last home game of the season. The Jennies won 79-45.
(Photo by Emily Dickmeier)

  The University of Central Missouri (19-3) celebrated their graduating seniors during their season finale against the Lincoln Blue Tigers (2-20). The Jennies winning twelve of their last thirteen games looks primed and ready heading into the MIAA playoffs. 

  The Tigers had 21 turnovers and 21 fouls. The Jennies scored 20 points over the turnovers. In the second half, the Jennies started to score more points than the first half. In the first half, the Jennies scored 40 points and in the second half, it was 39.

  UCM Jennies congratulated their two graduating seniors: guard Gigi McAtee who made only three points for the Jennies and forward Morgan VanHyfte led the team in assists with six. The finale was all for them, and they played their last regular season game. Both players received standing ovations as they exited the game as they already established a commanding lead.

  The Jennies for the game shot 48.3 percent from the floor with 46 rebounds and 14 assists. Senior guard/forward Nija Collier, scored a game high of 20 points and reigned in nine rebounds. Collier got help from freshman guard/forward Brooke Littrell. Littrell had her fifth double-double game of the season and second straight. She had 18 points and 11 rebounds. 

  The Lincoln Blue Tigers defense forced the Jennies to struggle from three point range with 9.1 percent. The Blue Tigers tallied up eight steals, shot 29.2 percent from the floor, 30 percent from three and grabbed 35 rebounds. Sophomore guard Niyah Jacksonscored 17 points to position her team for the win. Freshman guard AJ Bradley, attributed 10 points.

  Jennies finished the game 79-45 and are currently preparing to host the first round of the national playoffs. The Jennies will play the conference championship against Washburn University on March 3.