Boxscore

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Senior center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) scored 16 points to lead three double-figure scorers, but Saint Augustine's College lost 79-67 to Northwest Missouri State Thursday (Nov. 24) at the Oahu Classic.
 
Sophomore center Umeka Benson (Charlotte, N.C.) added 11 points and senior guard Brittany Torain (Warner Robins, Ga.) scored 10 points for the Lady Falcons, who suffered their first loss in four games. The Lady Falcons lost despite forcing 23 turnovers and gaining 11 steals with pressure defense. Torain, Benson and senior guard Keianna Evans (Fayetteville, N.C.) combined for nine steals.
 
But the Lady Falcons only scored 19 points off turnovers as they made 27 of 76 shots for 36 percent. Meanwhile, Northwest Missouri State was 30-for-65 from the floor for 46 percent including 11-for-23 from three-point range. The Lady Bearcats (2-3) also dominated the backboards, 54-38.
 
The Lady Falcons never led against the Lady Bearcats, who reached the NCAA Division II semifinals last season and were ranked nationally in the preseason. Both teams earned receiving votes in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll.
 
The Lady Falcons were behind 42-32 at halftime, and the deficit stayed in double digits throughout the second half. Ashley Thayer scored a game-high 20 points to lead four Lady Bearcat scorers in double figures. Maggie Marnin added 17 points and 18 rebounds, and Tara Roach had 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Lady Bearcats.
 
Bryant led the Lady Falcons with eight rebounds while Benson and junior forward Scharlawn Hubbard (Akron, Ohio) both grabbed seven rebounds. Torain gave out seven assists.
 
The Lady Falcons play again Friday (Nov. 25) in the Oahu Classic. They face Chaminade at 8 p.m. eastern standard time.