ST. LOUIS, MO. – The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's basketball team picked up its third straight win on Saturday afternoon, defeating visiting McKendree, 77-53, in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.
 
Sophomore Kiara Stewart recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds, while fellow sophomore McKenzie Lathrom also scored 15 points on five three-pointers.
 
The Tritons outscored the Bearcats, 42-24, in the second half and held a 53-25 rebounding advantage, including a 22-8 edge on the offensive end.
 
RECORDS
UMSL (10-11, 5-7 GLVC), McKendree (10-10, 3-9 GLVC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UMSL took a 35-29 lead into halftime after leading 18-14 after the first quarter. The Tritons, which shot 43.3 percent in the opening 20 minutes, led by as many as nine in each quarter.
 
UMSL then used a 15-0 run in the third quarter to pull away. The Tritons knocked down 5-of-8 field goals during that stretch, which was capped by Lathrom three-pointer with 2:33 on the clock.
 
UMSL took a 58-43 lead into the final frame and opened that fourth quarter with nine unanswered.
 
The Tritons shot 44.6 percent and limited the Bearcats to 35 percent shooting, including 30 percent over the final 20 minutes.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Junior Alex LaPorta recorded her seventh double-double of the year with 10 points and a season-high 15 rebounds.
• Sophomore Faye Meissner tossed in 14 points.
• Redshirt senior Laura Szorenyi finished with a career-high seven assists.
• UMSL outscored the Bearcats, 21-7, in second chance points.

 
UP NEXT
UMSL opens a four-game road trip at Quincy on Thursday.