WARRENSBURG, MO -- The SBU Lady 'Cats defeated the University of Central Missouri Jennies tonight, 75-52, in what was arguably their best game of the season. And it came at the right time, during their most important game of the season.

Amber Wheeler had 15 points in her final regular season road game.

Rachel Graves scored 17 tonight, a career high. She also added 8 rebounds. Amber Wheeler and Livia Brito added 15 each.

The win moves SBU into a 5th place tie with Central and, more importantly, moves them into the MIAA tournament in Kansas City.

SBU had 13 steals and forced 24 UCM turnovers. They held Central's leading scorer, Lindsey Maple, to 7 points.

The Lady 'Cats shot 48.3% from the field and 34.8% from the 3-point line. Their three-point percentage is particularly impressive, because their first 12 long bombs didn't fall.

Cortney Shewmaker had 7 points, 5 assists, 5 boards and 3 steals.

After the game, Coach Jim Middleton talked about 'scoreboard watching' vs focusing on the game at hand.

"We weren't really watching what other people did tonight. Our first objective was to win this game. I'm proud of our girls tonight. They really feel good about themselves. I’m happy that they are going to be able to go and experience all that is Kansas City. And they deserve it. They looked good tonight. It may be our best game of the year – I don’t know. But it sure feels like it right now.”

SBU moves to 15-11 overall and 7-10 in the MIAA. They play next on 2/24 hosting Emporia State on SBU's senior night.

Final Stats