ST. LOUIS – University of Missouri-St. Louis junior McKenzie Lathrom scored 25 points on Friday afternoon, but it wasn't enough to help the Tritons overcome Drury in the season and Great Lakes Valley Conference opener for both team. The Panthers, a team that went 32-0 a year ago, earned the 84-67 win.
 
RECORDS
UMSL (0-1, 0-1 GLVC), Drury (1-0, 1-0 GLVC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Tritons were limited to 29.5 percent shooting, while Drury connected at a 47.6 percent.
 
The Panthers clung to an 18-14 lead after the first quarter before making it a 37-29 advantage at the half, scoring the final six points.
 
Lathrom would score five of her points during a 7-0 UMSL run early in the second half to pull the Tritons within 44-41 with 5:27 on the clock, but Drury followed with a 15-2 run, capped with 12 straight, and never looked back.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Lathrom was 5-of-9 from three-point range and made all eight free throw attempts. She finished two shy of her career high in points.
• UMSL connected on 24-of-29 free throw attempts.
• Senior Alex LaPorta (14 points) and junior Faye Meissner (10 points) also scored in double figures.
• LaPorta added seven rebounds and five assists, while senior Danielle Berry recorded seven assists, six boards and three steals.
• Drury held a 42-40 rebounding advantage, although UMSL owned a 17-13 edge on the offensive end.
• Junior Kiara Stewart finished with eight rebounds.

 
UP NEXT
UMSL hosts Quincy next Thursday at 5:30 p.m.