LaGRANGE, Ga. – After playing a close first half, the Mississippi University for Women saw its game at LaGrange College slip away in the final 20 minutes, losing 73-45 at Mariotti Gym. The Owls and Panthers dueled it out in the opening half, with The W trailing 24-21 heading into the intermission.
 
A deft defensive effort to open the game forced the host LaGrange unit into 12 turnovers before the break. MUW had seven of its 10 steals in the first half, alone.  However, in the second half, it was the Owls who made the most miscues with 15 turnovers (finishing with 27 for the game).
 
The tandem of senior Rokila Wallace and junior MG Chamberlain accounted for 38 of the team's 45 points scored. Wallace had 22 points, her sixth time surpassing the 20-point plateau this season and 10th double-digit scoring effort in as many games for The W in 2021-22, thus far.
 
Wallace also hauled in a season-high 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year. Just for good measure, Wallace had three assists and a steal to her credit versus the Panthers.
 
Meanwhile, Chamberlain registered 16 points, for her seventh game in double figures. Chamberlain had six rebounds and a steal on her ledger, as well.
 
Depth proved to be an issue for the Owls, as only three other players – Jaycee Haynes (3 points), Audrey Foreman (2 points) and Emma Hicks (2 points) – were able to etch their names in the final point totals for MUW. Conversely, LaGrange had 12 players score on its side of the book.
 
The Panthers held a slight edge on the glass, 47-45. Hannah Duran chipped in eight boards for MUW. Haynes and Jasmine Shaw had four and three caroms, respectively.
 
Shaw also had three assists and Haynes posted a team-best four steals.
 
The W will next travel to Conway, Ark., to play a two-game set at Hendrix College on Thursday (Dec. 16/6 p.m.) and Friday (Dec. 17/2 p.m.).