BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—Led by Aries Washington and Taylor Leathers who combined for 35 points, Missouri-Kansas City defeated CSU Bakersfield 56-40 in Western Athletic Conference women's basketball action Saturday afternoon.

The shooting woes which have plagued CSUB all season returned in the first half. The Roadrunners missed 17 of their first 20 attempts from the floor and could only make 5-of24 in the first half. Led by Taylor Leathers who was 5-of-5, UMKC shot 52.6% (10-of-19) from the field in the first half. The Kangaroos committed 14 turnovers in the first half which allowed the 'Runners to trail only by six, 21-15, at the break.

UMKC opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run gave the 'Roos their largest lead, 31-17, 2:30 into the quarter. The Kangaroos would lead by 16, 40-24 at the conclusion of the frame.  The Roadrunners did not score for the first four and half minutes of the fourth quarter but would end up tying UMKC 16-16 to make it the final 56-40.

Washington scored a game high 20 points. She was 8-of-9 from the free throw line and grabbed nine rebounds. Leathers went 7-of-8 from the field and also had nine rebounds.  Alyssa Shannon led CSU Bakersfield with 10 points. The 'Runner point guard added three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

CSUB scored the fewest amount of points since joining Division I in 2007 as the 'Runners would shoot 23.6% (13-of-55) from the field. UMKC would make 20-of-41 attempts for a 48.8%. Missouri-Kansas City committed 29 turnovers including two 30-second and two backcourt violations. The Roadrunners made 15 steals, but turned the ball over 16 times.

“I am very disappointed in how we played today,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. “Our defense is going to limit other team's scoring output, but the defense wasn't the problem today. It was about us coming out and making shots. We didn't make any layups, that was a lack of concentration, simply put. We have to do better job.”

The 'Roos (6-9, 1-1 WAC) victory was the first in six tries against the Roadrunners in the all-time series.

The Roadrunners (4-13, 1-1 WAC) conclude a five-game home stand next Saturday when the 'Runners host Seattle U at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com. The game can also be seen on the Roadrunner Digital Network.

~www.GoRunners.com~