ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Conley Langford and Zoe Essary both eclipsed the 20-point barrier to lead the Mississippi University for Women women's basketball team to its first-ever St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) victory, 68-62, at Fontbonne University.  The SLIAC win, the first since the program became full NCAA III members this season, helped the Owls improve to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in conference, while the Griffins fell to 0-8 and 0-3 in the SLIAC. 
 
"On a day where a lot of things didn't go our way, we demonstrated a lot of grit and a lot of heart in today's win," The W Head Coach Drew Johnson said. "We had to outplay a talented, physical, and well-coached Fontbonne squad who can absolutely shoot the skin off the ball, and we had to overcome some bad bounces and mental mistakes. I think that says a lot about our young group."
 
No players demonstrated that resilience and determination more than the tandem of Langford and Essary – who combined for 63 percent of the MUW scoring – by tallying 22 and 21 points, respectively.  Langford was the team's co-leader by grabbing nine rebounds (matching Miracle Joiner's total).
 
Essary hit 7-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Essary hauled in eight rebounds.
 
But where the duo really made their mark was at the free throw line. Oh, it wasn't a matter of how many, but more of when.
 
Both Langford and Essary made four from the charity stripe, with all of those coming in the final 80 seconds of play, as the Owls nursed a two-point lead and Fontbonne had to commit fouls in an effort to gain possession and ground. The strategy did not pan out for the Griffins, as Langford and Essary went 8-for-8 on their free throws tries down the stretch and The W nailed down the win.
 
Claire Leak was the third MUW player in double-digit scoring with 14 points. Leak sprang for 5-of-10 from the floor and pulled in five boards, as well.
 
Joiner, in addition to the nine boards (all on the defensive end), also had two blocked shots.
 
The W will next play at fellow SLIAC newcomer Lyon College on Tuesday (Dec. 12). Tip-off in Batesville, Ark., is slated for 5:30 p.m.