The MBU women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season last Tuesday at the hands of the NCAA D-III top ranked Illinois Wesleyan University. The Lady Spartans sprang back from that loss over the weekend however, winning both games in Millkin University's Harriett Crannell Classic to win the tournament title and improve to 8-1 on the season.

The Lady Spartans ran with the Titans for 40 minutes in Muncy Gymnasium. They were down 32-25 but costly turnovers proved to be too much for MBU  to overcome, as they lost the contest 62-75. IWU forced Missouri Baptist into 37 turnovers, a season high for the Lady Spartans. MBU shot 47% from the field, better than its dismal 46% (13-of-28) shot from the foul line. Junior forward Jessica Moore led MBU with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Junior forward Ashley Johnson added 12 points for the Lady Spartans.

The Lady Spartans bounced back to their winning ways over the weekend, beating host Millikin University 81-68 in Decatur, Illinois on Friday night. They turned around on Saturday afternoon to scrap out a 77-70 victory over Luther College (Iowa). Ashley Johnson earned Tournament MVP honors, as she scored 15 points in each contest and averaged 7 rebounds for the weekend. Junior guard Megan Payton also earn All-Tournament honors, averaging 20.5 points.

The Lady Spartans will take a break from competition during finals week this week, before traveling to West Palm Beach, Florida to compete in the Northwood University Classic December 16th and 17th.