OWENSBORO, Ky. — Behind a 20-point performance from Karmin Riley and a strong showing from its bench, the Midway University women's basketball team defeated Mission University (Mo.) 86-76 on Saturday afternoon to complete an undefeated opening weekend at the Brescia Classic.
The Eagles used a 31-point first quarter to establish an early advantage before overcoming a second-quarter rally from the Lady Patriots to secure their second victory in as many days.
Midway improved to 2-0 on the season under fourth-year head coach Kylee Gorbee, while Mission fell to 0-2.
Riley led the Eagles with 20 points off the bench, connecting on six three-pointers in just 23 minutes of action. Alexys Moore followed with 18 points and six steals, while Aubrey Randolph added 14 points.
The victory came one day after Midway opened its 2026-27 campaign with an 87-69 win over Montreat College (N.C.).
First Quarter
Midway came out firing in the opening 10 minutes, establishing control with an efficient offensive performance.
The Eagles shot 47.1 percent from the field and connected on three of their seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Moore led the early offensive surge, scoring 14 points in the opening quarter while shooting 3-of-4 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Jermyra Christian added six points, while Randolph contributed four off the bench.
Midway also took advantage of its opportunities at the charity stripe, connecting on 12 of its 14 free-throw attempts.
The Eagles built a lead as large as 17 points in the opening period before carrying a 31-18 advantage into the second quarter.
Second Quarter
Mission responded in the second quarter, using an efficient shooting performance to erase much of Midway's early advantage.
The Lady Patriots shot 50 percent from the field and connected on three three-pointers, outscoring the Eagles 24-12.
Midway struggled offensively during the period, shooting just 22.2 percent from the floor and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Morgan Cross contributed three points and three rebounds, while Riley added her first three-pointer of the afternoon.
Despite the offensive struggles, Midway managed to maintain a narrow advantage heading into halftime.
The Eagles entered the locker room leading 43-42 after seeing their 13-point first-quarter advantage trimmed to just one.
Third Quarter
With the contest hanging in the balance, Midway responded with a strong third-quarter performance.
The Eagles scored 24 points in the period while limiting Mission to 18.
Midway's defense played a critical role in the turnaround, forcing nine turnovers during the quarter.
The Lady Patriots briefly moved in front and built a four-point advantage with 4:57 remaining in the third, but the Eagles responded to regain control.
Riley provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down two three-pointers during the quarter.
Midway shot 36 percent from the field while holding Mission without a three-pointer on three attempts.
The Eagles outscored the Lady Patriots 24-18 to take a 67-60 advantage into the final 10 minutes.
Fourth Quarter
Midway continued to find success offensively in the final period, using timely baskets to maintain its advantage.
The Eagles connected on seven field goals, including three three-pointers, while shooting 38.9 percent from the floor.
Mission attempted to mount a late comeback, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, but Midway maintained its composure down the stretch.
The Eagles outscored the Lady Patriots 19-16 in the final quarter to secure the 86-76 victory.
The win marked Midway's second consecutive victory to begin the season and completed a perfect weekend at the Brescia Classic.
Inside the Box Score
Riley led the Eagles with a game-high 20 points off the bench, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and an impressive 6-of-9 from three-point range.
The sophomore also collected four rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of action.
Moore followed with 18 points, connecting on two three-pointers while going a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
The junior guard also recorded six rebounds, four assists and a game-high six steals.
Randolph rounded out Midway's double-digit scorers with 14 points off the bench, shooting 6-of-12 from the field while adding two rebounds and two steals.
Cross provided a strong all-around performance, finishing with seven points, a team-high 10 rebounds and a game-high seven assists.
Alexis Taylor also recorded seven points and four rebounds, while Christian contributed six points and four assists.
Jenna Phelps and Jenna Sparks added five points apiece, while Annabelle Babb finished with four.
Midway's bench proved to be a major factor in the victory, outscoring Mission's reserves 43-24.
As a team, the Eagles shot 35.9 percent from the field, connecting on 28 of their 78 attempts.
Midway knocked down nine three-pointers and finished 21-of-26 from the free-throw line for an 80.8 percent clip.
The Eagles recorded 20 assists and 12 steals while committing just 11 turnovers.
Midway also capitalized on Mission's 22 turnovers, converting them into 16 points.
The Lady Patriots held a 46-43 advantage on the glass, but the Eagles outscored Mission 34-30 in the paint and 15-9 in fast-break points.
Mission was led by Ireland Jones and Tara Masten, who scored 19 points apiece. Capri Garrett added eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds, while Naomi Daugherty and Kylee Cole each contributed nine points.
Looking Ahead
With a 2-0 start to the 2026-27 season, Midway will look to carry its early momentum into the remainder of its nonconference schedule.
The Eagles opened their campaign with consecutive victories over Montreat and Mission, scoring a combined 173 points during the Brescia Classic.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
