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TOPEKA, Kan. -- A 16-6 run to close out the first half gave the eighth-ranked Lady Blues some breathing room as they pulled away for a 69-50 win over Missouri Western on Monday night at Lee Arena. Washburn will be back in action on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. at Fort Hays State.

Washburn (10-0, 4-0 MIAA) led 21-20 with just over six minutes remaining in the first half when a three-pointer from Stevi Schultz ignited the run that when it was over gave the Lady Blues a 37-26 lead at the intermission. Missouri Western (2-8, 0-4 MIAA) had jumped out to an early 8-2 lead and led 10-9 when the Lady Blues used an 8-1 spurt to gain a 17-11 advantage midway through the opening period.

The Griffons whittled the lead down to eight at 45-37 with 15:22 remaining in the game, but five quick points by the Lady Blues pushed the lead back to 13 with just over 12 to play. Back-to-back threes by Dayna Rodriguez and Brette Ulsaker widened the gap to 61-44 with 7:07 remaining. The lead reached as many as 22 before the Lady Blues closed out the 19-point win.

Rodriguez led Washburn with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Schultz chipped in 11. Chasity Workman added seven rebounds to go along with four points.

Jessica Koch led Missouri Western with 18 points.

The win was Washburn's seventh straight over the Griffons. The game was Ron McHenry's 300th career game as the Washburn head coach. His career record now stands at 251-49 (.837).