Box Score

The Ranger women's basketball led throughout most of the game against Drury, which picked up national votes in the most recent poll. UW-Parkside led by as many as nine points at one juncture, then held off the Panthers for a 72-71 win.

The game was played in the DeSimone Gymnasium Thursday night.

Amanda Gibson who has been one of the top free throw shooters in the entire country during her career, calmly knocked down a pair with 8 seconds to go in the game to give the Rangers a 72-69 advantage. Drury missed a three-pointer which was put back by Melanie Oliver underneath as the buzzer rang, signalling the Rangers' 14th win in 16 outings.

Drury suffered its first loss in Great Lakes Valley Conference play and is 5-1, 13-4 overall. The Rangers are now 6-1 in league action. Both teams are division leaders.

Brittany Beyer and Jadee Rooney led the Ranger effort with 18 points each. Two others dented double digits and include Brittany Hogen with 12 and Amanda Gibson with 10. Hogen led the Ranger rebounding cause with six. Gibson and Rooney each dished out four assists.

This game featured the top two shooting teams in the nation. Drury came in ranked No. 1 in that category and was limited to 46 percent from the floor. The Rangers continue to excel, making good on 52 percent of their shots.

The Rangers will travel to Northern Kentucky for a Saturday game at noon CST before returning to the DeSimone Gymnasium to take on nationally-ranked Quincy Monday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m.