ROLLA, MO- The Miners pulled out one last win in 2019, taking down the Spartans of Missouri Baptist 79-72 and moving to 5-3 overall.

S&T saw their lead extend out to as much as 15-4 after a Maddie Raley (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern) three-pointer from the corner. Marta Durk (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) and Tristen McFeders (Kansas City, Mo./Bishop Miege) got in on the fun with back-to-back baskets late in the opening quarter to make it a 22-10 game.

While MBU finished the quarter on a 7-4 run, Missouri S&T would get their lead back up to 11 after Katey Brown (Craig, Neb./West Point Central Catholic) sank two free-throws with less than 30 seconds left.

The Spartans played toe-to-toe with the Miners in the second quarter, forcing S&T into six turnovers and cutting their deficit to as much as nine.

Durk came in clutch at the end of the half when McFeders found her open on the wing and put the Miners up 45-35 heading into the break.

S&T struggled in the third quarter, getting outscored 19-10 and losing their double-digit lead.

Taylor Norris gave the Spartans their first lead of the day when she sank back-to-back free-throws with 1:51 left in the third quarter. The Miners would regain their lead before the end of the third with three combined free-throws from Maddie Raley (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern) and Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones).

It was a battle in the final quarter, both teams unable to pull away from the other.

The Miners saving grace came late in the game with back-to-back lay-ups from Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) and Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) to put S&T up by nine.

Clutch free-throws from Kerr, Rodriguez, and Raley would secure the Miners 79-72 win.

Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) and Maddie Raley (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern) led the way offensively for S&T with 19 and 18 points, respectively, while Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) and Marta Durk (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) chipped in a combined 24 points. Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) led all players with 11 rebounds and added in two blocks.

Missouri S&T (5-3, 1-0 GLVC) will get back to action after the first of the year at Lindenwood and Missouri-St. Louis on January 2^nd & 4^th.