EVANSVILLE - Taking on a ranked foe, the University of Evansville women's basketball team struggled to limit second-chance opportunities in an 87-54 loss to 23rd-ranked Missouri State on Friday night inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse in Evansville, Ind.

Scoring a team-high 16 points, sophomore Abby Feit paced the Aces on the evening. Feit also gathered a team-best five boards in the Normal, Ill. native's 37th career double-figure scoring performance. For the Lady Bears, three finished in double-figures with Jasmine Franklin and Sydney Wilson each tallying 16 points, while Elle Ruffridge finished with 14 points in the win.

Evansville did well early on, keeping pace with Missouri State during the opening 10 minutes. The Lady Bears grew their lead only as high as four in the first stanza as the Aces trailed by just two heading into the second quarter. In the second period, Missouri State's offense caught fire, shooting 58.8% (10-17) from the field, while limiting Evansville to just 2-12 (16.7%) shooting in the quarter. After leading by just two after the first, Missouri State built its lead to 20 at the break, leading 40-20.

The Aces again kept pace with the Lady Bears in the third period, being narrowly out-scored, 24-22. In the fourth, Missouri State built its lead as large as 35 with 1:04 remaining in the game as the Lady Bears captured the 87-54 win.

On the night, Missouri State out-rebounded the Aces, 48-20, with a 17-2 advantage on the offensive end. The Lady Bears took those 17 offensive boards and converted them into 17 second-chance points.

The two sides clash again on Saturday night for the regular season finale on Senior Day as Evansville will recognize Lola Reed, Jada Poland, and Kayla Casteel for their efforts in the white and purple at 6 PM inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
 

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