Athletics Headlines: Lady Spartans Advance in Post-Season Play

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February 29, 2008

Lady Spartans Advance in Post-Season Play

The Missouri Baptist University women's basketball team improved its win streak to four games with a 74-53 triumph over University of Illinois - Springfield in the first round of the American Midwest Conference playoffs. The Lady Spartans earned a first round home game as the number four seed. UIS went into Saturday's game with a 12-18 record and the number five seed.

MBU led by as many as 11 points in the first half, but a late UIS surge trimmed the Lady Spartan lead to two points at the intermission. MBU regained the lead at the start of the second half when Julie Leach scored four of her 18 points on back to back lay ups. MBU regained a 12 point lead early in the second half, but got a scare as the Praire Stars made yet another run, trimming the lead to 3. MBU would sink its free throws in the remaining minutes and pull away for the first round playoff victory.

MBU was led by Nikia Henry's 25 points. Henry's performance brought "MVP" chants from the Spartan faithful in the final minutes of the game. Julie Leach added 18 points and Omega Key had 10 points and7 rebounds.

The Lady Spartans (14-15) will advance to the semifinals of the American Midwest Conference playoffs at McKendree University on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 pm.