Cassell

CONWAY, Ark. - Madi Pierce scored 17 of her career-high 28 points in the first 20 minutes Thursday, leading Hendrix to a 74-55 win over Mississippi University for Women in the first of two games between the squads in 24 hours. The Orange and Black have won three of their first four inside Grove Gymnasium, their best start at home since matching that record to begin the 2017-18 campaign.

The Warriors canned 12 (12-of-27) treys, third most in a game in school history, and shot 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, their best mark since shooting 50 percent (13-of-26) against Berry (Ga.) on Jan. 5, 2020.

In the first quarter, Hendrix (4-5) shot 60 percent (9-of-15) from the field, including 55.6 percent (5-of-9) from deep. The Warriors built a 23-14 edge after 10 minutes, turning five Owls miscues into nine points.

Ten of Pierce's 17 first-half points came in the second quarter, and Hendrix limited Mississippi University for Women (1-10) to just 26.7 percent (4-of-15) shooting in the period to lead 38-26 at intermission.

Pierce shot 6-of-12 from the floor, 2-of-4 from 3-point range and 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the first 20 minutes. Caroline Wendt grabbed six rebounds. Pierce and Wendt each had three offensive boards.

In the first half, the Warriors shot 44.8 percent overall, 46.7 percent (7-of-15) from beyond the arc and 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from the stripe.

Pierce was perfect from the field (3-of-3) and 3-point land (2-of-2) in the third quarter, helping her team to a 60-48 advantage with 10 minutes to play. Hendrix shot 52.9 percent (9-of-17) from the field and 40 percent (4-of-10) from distance in the period, while the Owls shot 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the floor.

The Warriors shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from the floor in the final stanza.

Pierce posted career-highs in made field goals (10) and steals (3) and tied a career-high with four made 3s. She shot 55.5 percent (10-of-18) overall, 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from 3-point range and 4-of-6 from the stripe to go along with 10 rebounds, her fourth double-double this season and seventh of her career. Pierce scored in double figures for the eighth-consecutive contest.

Kennedi Burns ended with 11 points in the victory, as she scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.

Rachel Woppman dished out a career-high five of Hendrix's 20 assists, good for eighth most in a game in program history and the highest total since recording 22 against Berry on Jan. 7, 2018.

Woppman and Kelsey Korb each had seven points. Woppman shot 3-of-4 overall. Korb was 3-of-5.

Jayla King rejected a career-high three shots in the triumph. She also grabbed nine rebounds, while Wendt had seven, including four on the offensive glass, her third-straight game with at least four. Pierce also hauled in four offensive rebounds.

Hendrix shot 46.7 percent (28-of-60) overall, its highest mark since a 50 percent clip (19-of-38) against Berry on Feb. 2, 2020. The 28 made field goals were a season-high. The Orange and Black were 6-of-9 from the free throw line.

The Warriors outrebounded Mississippi University for Women 45-24, including 17-8 on the offensive glass, leading to 16 second chance points. Hendrix converted 14 Owls turnovers into 17 points and got 21 points from its reserves compared to none by Mississippi University for Women.

Each team had 24 points in the paint.

Rokila Wallace ended with 23 points on 9-of-22 shooting and eight rebounds in the loss. Hannah Duran and M.G. Chamberlain each scored 10 points and shot 4-of-11 overall.

The Owls shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56) overall, 35.3 percent (6-of-17) from deep and 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from the stripe.

The second game between the Warriors and Owls is set for Friday at 2 p.m. CT.