BLUFFTON, Ohio — In a tightly contested Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference battle, the Mount St. Joseph women's basketball team earned a gritty 53–46 victory over Bluffton University on Wednesday night at the Sommer Center in Bluffton, Ohio.
From the opening tip, the Lions showed they were ready to battle. After trading early baskets, MSJ leaned on senior leadership to gain control, navigating a physical defensive struggle against a scrappy Bluffton squad that kept things close throughout the night.
Despite a slow offensive start, the Lions found rhythm in the second quarter, using crisp ball movement and timely scoring to outpace the Beavers and seize a lead heading into halftime. The defensive intensity remained strong as MSJ limited Bluffton's shooting opportunities and forced turnovers at key moments.
Senior guard Karlee Mills led the offense with a team-high 16 points, showing poise under pressure and converting crucial free throws in the closing minutes. Fellow senior Morgan Jenkins contributed a steady 13 points while helping to orchestrate the Lion attack and keep Bluffton's defense honest.
Freshman Bella Crawford and sophomore Ali Winchester also made significant impacts, providing momentum-shifting baskets and defensive hustle that kept MSJ ahead when the game hung in the balance.
In the final quarter, the Lions' defense clamped down, and key possessions at the free-throw line helped seal the road victory. Mount St. Joseph's balanced effort—combining energy, discipline, and execution—allowed them to overcome a tough away atmosphere and notch an important conference win.
UP NEXT: The Lions will be at home on Saturday to continue HCAC play as they welcome the Manchester Spartans into the Harrington Center.
