COLUMBUS, Miss. – A hearty effort by the Mississippi University for Women women's basketball team came up short at home versus Crowley's Ridge College, 84-67, at Pohl Gym. The Owls were within single digits of the Pioneers (9-6) in the fourth quarter, until the final four minutes of the contest.
 
While there are no points for "moral victories," The W squad could find some solace that they stayed close to this same CRC team that waxed them in a season-opening exhibition by 34 points. In the reboot on the Owls' home floor, MUW climbed back from a big second half deficit, despite each available player seeing 40 minutes of action.
 
The Pioneers had their largest lead – 17 points – with 8:26 left in the third period. But The W refused to quit. A three-point play by freshman Jas Patrick got her team to within eight (63-55) at the end of the third.
 
A three-point basket by Conley Langford got the Owls to within a single possession, 63-60, with 8:40 left to play in the game. MUW was still within striking distance, 71-65, with 5:29 left after a trey by Ashley Cooper.  But The W's fatigue began to show, as the Pioneers out-scored MUW 13-2 down the stretch to ice the game.
 
Langford had her third-consecutive double-double game in the loss. The sophomore had a team-best 24 points and a game-leading 11 rebounds. She was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw stripe.
 
Post player MG Chamberlain was 10-of-22 from the field on her way to 21 points. Chamberlain also corralled seven rebounds and had a block.
 
Cooper finished the night with a season-high 14 points. She hit 6-of-8 shots, overall. She was 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
 
Patrick added six points and dished off six assists. Hannah Duran was limited to two points, but pulled down 10 rebounds (nine defensive), had seven assists and blocked three shots.
 
The Owls will be off until January 25, when they host Belhaven University at Pohl Gym.