WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State women's basketball team defeated Missouri State, 76-64, to open MVC play Thursday night at Charles Koch Arena. Senior Jessica Diamond led all Shockers with 22 points, 17 of which came in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Shockers started the game on a 6-0 run with jumpers from senior Jazimen Gordon and sophomore Kelsey Jacobs, forcing the Bears to take an early timeout. The Bears came back to within four with a couple of free throws from Karly Buer, but Wichita State went on a 9-0 run, sparked by a lay-up from Jacobs at the 13:29 mark.

Offense wasn't the only thing that was jelling for the Shockers in the first half. Wichita State forced 14 Missouri State turnovers and held the Bears to just 36.4 percent shooting (8-22). 

Things cooled off for the Shockers in the second half, only shooting 32 percent from the field (8-25) and 33.3 percent from behind the arc (3-9). A jumper from Missouri State's Bry Snow brought the Bears within six at the 8:49 mark but that's as close as they would get. The Shockers knocked down 16-of-18 free throws in the last six minutes of play securing the 12-point victory.

The Shockers take to the road next week when they travel to Peoria, Ill., for a match up against Bradley Thursday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m., then head straight to Cedar Falls, Iowa to take on Northern Iowa Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.

- WICHITA STATE -