ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- After spending last weekend in the Kansas City area, the UMSL women's basketball team (14-2, 10-1) returned home Monday as they defeated crosstown rival Maryville 68-56 in make-up GLVC action.

It took a bit for the Tritons to get going, as enhanced ball distribution and shot selection improved the final three quarters of play.

The Saints hoped to take senior post Kiara Stewart out of the equation, and after some early forced shots by Stewart, the senior began to kick out the rock to perimeter players and those who set up shop at the elbow.

In the first quarter, the Tritons were held to 39 percent from the field, and in the second UMSL shot only 23 percent from the field but were able to create some first-half separation, leading the Saints 27-18.

UMSL was led by double-digit scoring by Alex LaPorta (13), Danielle Berry (15), Faye Meissner (13), and Jalysa Stokes -- who is still making it rain from 3-point land, as the freshman connected for 75 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc.

Stokes finished with 11 points, hitting 3-of-4 from the arc.

With Mallory Ronshausen being corralled by the Saints defense, Stokes's play was vital in the win: offering that other punch from the outside.

The Tritons did not miss from the line, either, converting 12-of-12 from the charity stripe.

In the third, the Tritons looked more assertive and proactive in their approach as they hit for 67 percent fom the field, followed by 57 percent in the final 10 minutes of action.

While rebounds came and went, second-chance opportunities on the offensive end was also credited for the win, as the Tritons hit for 16 points, while the Saints were held scoreless in that statistical front.

The Tritons have their biggest test of the season Thursday as nationally-ranked Drury comes to town.

The Panthers, as of Monday evening, are the fourth-ranked team in the latest top 25 coaches' poll.

Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.