Women's Basketball Falls At Westminster, Stafford Moves Up To Second All-Time In Career Points

FULTON, Mo.—The Fontbonne University women's basketball team returned to the court for the first time in a month and fell 83-56 against Westminster in its conference opener.

Records

Fontbonne (4-7; 0-1 SLIAC)

Westminster (6-7; 2-0 SLIAC)

Game Breakdown

The Griffins led 11-6 at the 7:05 mark in the first on Kourtney White's 3-pointer. They maintained its lead up until when Reese Arnold's 3-pointer gave Westminster a 16-14 advantage with just over two minutes left. The Blue Jays expanded its lead out to 21-17 after one on Shelby Kurtz's 3-point play.

Both teams shot at least 40.0 percent from the floor, including Fontbonne going 4-of-9 from downtown. Rylee Stafford led the Griffins with six points.

In the second, a 3-pointer from Stafford at 7:56 put the Griffins down 25-22. Later, the Blue Jays extended its advantage out to 32-25 on Jodie Bass' jumper with 4:37 remaining. Westminster remained in control the final four minutes leading 40-31 at the break.

In the third, the Griffins trailed 40-33 just one minute in on Stafford's free throws. From there, the Blue Jays outscored Fontbonne 16-1 over the next five minutes leading 56-34. Westminster held its double-digit advantage going to the fourth on top, 69-43.

Fontbonne shot an improved 35.7 percent from the field in the fourth but the comeback was not to be with Westminster going on for the 27-point win.

Team Stats

• The Griffins finished shooting 35.2 percent from the floor and connected on nine 3-pointers.
• Westminster shot 48.4 percent from the field.
• The Blue Jays hit 12 3-pointers.
• Westminster held a 42-21 advantage on the glass.

Fontbonne Leaders

• Stafford recorded her seventh straight 20-plus point game ending with 22 points on 5-of-17 shooting.
• Stafford's up to second place all-time in career points at Fontbonne with 1,442 points. She's hit 239 career 3-pointers putting her in second place in SLIAC history and needs just five more to become the all-time leader.
• Kourtney White just missed out on a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
• Lauren Smith got the start for the first time this year finishing with a career-high 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Up Next

The Griffins return to action at home on Saturday when they'll host Greenville. Tip-off at 1 p.m., with no spectators permitted.

About Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Louis, committed to a transformative education and inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically, act ethically and serve responsibly. The university, founded in 1923, is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. For more information, visit www.fontbonne.edu.

Make sure to follow the women's basketball team on all its social media accounts: Twitter (@fontbonnewbb), Instagram (@fontbonnewbb) and Facebook (/FontbonneUGriffins).