Oct. 30, 2011

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD -

The Missouri State women's basketball team opened its exhibition season Sunday afternoon at JQH Arena with an 88-56 victory over visiting Harding.

The Lady Bears rolled to a 59-22 halftime lead over the Lady Bisons thanks to 60-percent (21-35) shooting from the floor and seven three-pointers. Jaleshia Roberson scored Missouri State's first eight points and matched Casey Garrison with a game-high 23 total while going 7-of-11 from long range.

MSU forced 18 turnovers in the first period and 29 in the game, coming away with 17 steals while holding the visitors to 20-of-58 (.345) shooting. Christiana Shorter led the Lady Bears with seven steals while notching a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. She shared high assist honors with Garrison with five.

Roberson's sixth three-pointer gave the Lady Bears their largest lead of the contest at 77-30 with 10:53 remaining in the game, but Harding answered with an 18-0 run over the next 5:22 before Garrison's layup stopped it and made the score 79-48.

Missouri State pulled down 17 offensive rebounds and led Harding 44-39 in total caroms while handing out 19 assists against 17 turnovers and knocking down 10 triples in 20 attempts for the game.

The Lady Bears host Northeastern State at 7:05 p.m. Thursday and play at Missouri Southern at 5 p.m. Saturday to close the exhibition slate. The regular season begins Nov. 11 at Louisiana Tech.