NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb University women's basketball team opened the home schedule on Wednesday night with a 69-56 victory over Mississippi Valley State University inside Allen Arena. 

Final Score: Lipscomb 69, Mississippi Valley State 56
Location: Allen Arena
Records: Lipscomb (1-1), Mississippi Valley State (0-2)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bisons got out to a strong start with seven straight points in the first 1:17 of the game. After winning the tip, Claira McGowan drove a layup for the first bucket of the contest. On the first MVSU possession, Molly Heard picked up the bad pass and found McGowan for the fast break triple. 

Bella Vinson made it a 7-0 lead on a fast break layup to force the Devilettes to burn a timeout. 

The Bisons posted seven field goals in the first 10 minutes and led 20-13 after the opening period. 

In the second stanza, the Bisons swelled the lead to double figures with a McGowan 3-pointer early in the period. 

Ahead 35-23 with 3:13 left in the half, Lipscomb ended the half on a 13-3 run to give the home squad the 48-26 advantage. 

MVSU, who came off a loss at Memphis on Monday, played more competitively in the second half, outscoring Lipscomb 30-21 in the final 20 minutes. However, the Bisons kept its composure, as Elena Bertrand made it a 19-point affair with 6:56 left in the ballgame. 

QUOTABLE
Hear from Jalyn Holcomb and head coach Lauren Sumski following the win.

KEY STATISTICS
Claira McGowan hit four triples and finished with a game-high 18 points. 

Molly Heard went 5-of-12 from the field with 14 points and four steals, and Ainhoa Cea dished out seven assists and picked up five rebounds.

Jalyn Holcomb added 13 points thanks to three triples and grabbed eight rebounds.

UP NEXT
Lipscomb is back on the hardwood Thursday afternoon with a matinee against Johnson University out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Allen Arena.