SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Joplin trailed by three after the first quarter before surging back in the second period to build an insurmountable cushion on the way to the team’s second win over the season, beating Central 43-35 on Thursday.
Central took an 8-5 lead into the second stanza before Joplin rebounded in a big way, outscoring the Bulldogs 17-6 on the way to a 22-14 lead by the intermission. Central trimmed the deficit to five to start the final eight minutes of play before Joplin added to its lead down the stretch to seal the win.
“This was a great team win for a second win in a row,” Joplin coach Brad Cox said. “We started out very well with 17 points in the second quarter. We went through a drought in the third and four quarters, but our girls responded and we were able to pull out the win. I feel like this is a big step for our program, continuing to fight and pulling out a win, and our defense is getting better each game.”
The Eagles (3-7) were led in scoring by Bailey Owens’ 18 points, 10 coming in the second half. Her sister, Alissa Owens finished with 12 points to give Joplin a pair of players in double figures. Ashley Phillips added five and Aiyana Kroll scored four in the win.
Talia Dyson led Central in scoring with 18 points, while Desteny Pierce finished with 10.
Joplin is at Seneca on Jan. 4
