Columbus, Mississippi - The Lyon College women's basketball team came up just short this afternoon, falling 68-65 to the Mississippi University for Women Owls in a tight game. With this loss the Scots are now 5-6 on the season and 3-1 in SLIAC conference play. 

The Scots led early and traded momentum throughout a back-and-forth contest that featured 15 lead changes and seven ties. Lyon closed the gap (36-37) late in the second quarter with a three-pointer from Carsyn Gore, but MUW closed the half strong to take a 39-36 lead into the break. Lyon answered after halftime with an aggressive third quarter, outscoring the Owls 17-11 to regain control and carry a 53-50 edge into the final period.

Natalya Kaza paced the Scots with 18 points while pulling down nine rebounds and playing all 40 minutes. Molly Mason added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Alyssa Abascal chipped in 10 points and six assists as Lyon consistently found ways to attack the paint and get to the free-throw line, finishing 9-of-10 at the stripe.

Savanna Lopez anchored the interior with 11 rebounds and three assists, while Johanna Zocholl provided a spark off the bench with six points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Paris Halliburton and Mason combined to help Lyon on the glass against the Owls. 

The fourth quarter remained tense until the final seconds. After Camya Porter knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 63-63 with under a minute to play, Kaza gave Lyon a brief lead with a tip-in at the 19-second mark. MUW responded with a go-ahead three-pointer, and late free throws sealed the outcome.

Your fighting Scots will look to bounce back in the SLIAC as they travel to Carlinville, Illinois to the face the Blackburn College Beavers on Thursday, January 8th at 5:30 PM.