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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Women's Basketball Shows Grit Despite 79–65 Road Loss at Columbia

Women's Basketball Shows Grit Despite 79–65 Road Loss at Columbia

Box Score
Game Leaders
Graceland
Pts: 2 Players (#10, #12) - 14
Reb: Maxine Ampofo - 7
Ast: Kayloni Smolley - 4
Columbia (MO)
Pts: Ashtyn Klusmeyer - 21
Reb: 2 Players (#12, #25) - 11
Ast: Lexi Rubel - 8
Team Stats
Full stats

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In their second outing of the 2025–26 season, the Graceland University Yellowjackets (0-2, 0-0 Heart) fell 79–65 to Columbia College (1-0, 0-0 AMC) on Saturday afternoon at the Southwell Complex, but demonstrated progress in offensive efficiency and roster depth that points to continued development under Head Coach Willie Scott.

Graceland shot a season-best 41.2% from the three-point line (7-for-17), including a sharp 75% clip in the fourth quarter, showing promising signs of spacing and perimeter execution. After trailing by as many as 29 points early in the fourth quarter, the Yellowjackets closed the game on a 24–16 run, fueled by improved ball movement and active hands on defense.

"We're shooting it pretty decent from the three-point line the last two games," said Coach Scott. "We need to figure out how to move the ball from one side of the court to the other, and also use hard dribbles and kicks for open shots. We had a couple more players show up today, which is a good sign. I like that we didn't quit today. We will get better each game."

Game Summary

Columbia jumped out to an early 23–11 lead in the first quarter, aided by five three-pointers from Ashtyn Klusmeyer, who finished with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds. Graceland countered with more balanced scoring as the game progressed, particularly from sophomore Nateonia Russell and senior Sariah Bradley, who each posted 14 points apiece. Bradley went 2-of-2 from deep and added three rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench.

Despite Columbia's 48–35 rebounding advantage and 20 assists on 29 made field goals, the Yellowjackets held their own in the paint, tallying 30 points inside and 22 points from the bench. Maxine Ampofo contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds, controlling the glass during key second-half stretches.

The third quarter saw Graceland post a 40% field goal percentage, but Columbia's 10-of-17 shooting during the same frame extended the Cougars' lead to 63–41 heading into the final period. In the fourth, Graceland pieced together its most efficient offensive stretch of the contest, shooting 53% from the floor and 3-for-4 from long range, capped by a last-second triple from Oliviya Tinoco, who finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Notables

  • Graceland shot 40.6% from the field, 41.2% from three, and 66.7% from the line.

  • Columbia finished at 42.6% FG, 29.0% 3PT, and 66.7% FT.

  • Graceland committed 13 turnovers to Columbia's 14.

  • The Cougars led wire-to-wire, but the Yellowjackets outscored them 24–16 in the fourth quarter.

Player Highlights

Columbia was led by Mya Miller (20 points, 6 rebounds) and Lexi Miller, who added 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals.

Up Next

The Yellowjackets return to action Tuesday, Nov. 4, for a road matchup against the University of Saint Mary. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. CST at the Ryan Sports Center in Leavenworth, Kansas.

For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com