Southwest Missouri State coach Cheryl Burnett thought her Lady Bears had learned, but their 66-63 Missouri Valley Conference loss to Drake on Monday proved otherwise. Stephanie Schmitz was out with an ankle injury and things looked great for the Lady Bears. SMS senior Jackie Stiles drives around Drake's Kristin Santa on her way to the basket during the second half of the Bulldogs' 66-63 win over the Lady Bears on Monday in Des Moines, Iowa. The Associated Press SMS' frustration was obvious after the game. I don't think there is any excuse to blow a 12-point lead.
Drake is a quality team.
Every game is so crucial in conference. You don't know with one loss, you could be giving up the conference championship. Stiles improved her career scoring mark to 2,626 and needs 11 points to surpass the league record of 2,636 by Drake's Wanda Ford in 1983-86. I missed a lot of easy shots, a lot that I should have made. I'm very disappointed in myself.