Box Score PARAGOULD, Ark. – The nice thing about playing an exhibition contest is that a team can work out the early-season kinks and your season record will not suffer. The Mississippi University for Women women's basketball team took that very opportunity in its 76-42 exhibition loss at Crowley's Ridge College.
 
Coach Drew Johnson and his Owls' squad had the double whammy of just one returning starter from last year's finishing lineup, to go along with a depleted bench due to injuries and illness. The W had just seven available players versus the Pioneers (who had 14 players get into the game).
 
Yet, while CRC took control early – leading 23-11 after the first quarter – MUW played strong until the final buzzer, even outscoring the hosts, 10-6, in the fourth quarter. In the waning minutes, The W had some nice defensive stops and fast-break points.
 
 
Sophomore All-American MG Chamberlain and fellow soph Bre Waters each booked 10 points to lead the Owls' offense. Waters grabbed five rebounds and Chamberlain three.
 
Newcomer Conley Langford chipped in nine points and four boards. Jas Patrick and Reagan Sonnier – both new to The W roster, as well – had five and four points, respectively. Each also pulled down five caroms and Patrick had an MUW-best three assists.
 
Sophomore guard Jaycee Haynes had a team-leading six rebounds.
 
The W will open the 2022-23 campaign for real on Wednesday (Nov. 9) at Birmingham-Southern College. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. in Alabama.