TOPEKA, Kan. -- It was cold outside but Washburn was loose from the start on Friday afternoon, scoring 47 points in the first half to down Missouri Western 71-55 and earn a fourth straight win. The Ichabods will take the win streak on the road to face Fort Hays State at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29.  

It was the Griffons (6-13, 2-8 MIAA) that took an early 9-7 lead with a pair of 3-pointers. Washburn (14-5, 7-3 MIAA) answered back with an 8-0 run and five points coming from Payton Sterk who had 20 in the first half. The Ichabods shot 50.0% in the first quarter and ended the final minute on a 4-0 run to lead 21-14 after one.  

The run continued with the first four points in the second quarter coming for the home team, pushing the lead to double-figures. A quick 5-0 burst was capped off by a 3-pointer for Gabi Giovannetti that pushed the lead up over 20 points. While Washburn shot over 50.0% again in the second, Missouri Western was held to just 2-8 shooting in the frame as the Ichabods built a 47-24 lead.  

Out of the break Washburn's offense cooled off as they were held scoreless until Kellyn Hunter knocked down a jumper with 4:24 left in the quarter. She hit another to push the lead back over 20 points the next possession. The Ichabod defense helped maintain the lead with the Griffons shooting just 4-11 in the quarter.  

The visitors offense picked up in the fourth scoring the first 10 points to make it a single-digit game with 6:38 remaining. Britany Kogbara got a pair of buckets to fall over the next few possessions to push the lead back into double digits. Missouri Western knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:06 remaining but that was the last time they would get on the scoreboard. The Ichabods finished the game on a 6-0 run to put away a 71-55 win.  

The hot start helped Washburn shoot 40.7% for the game along with 8-17 (47.1%) from deep. They also were 19-22 at the line to complete an efficient day. On the other end the Griffons shot 16-49 overall and just 4-17 from three-point land while getting to the line 29 times and knocking down 19.  

The Ichabods narrowly lost the turnover battle 34-33 but held a 20-15 advantage in turnovers. Those turnovers generated 17 points for Washburn to just nine for the visitors. Bench scoring also favored the home squad 28-2.  

Payton Sterk finished with a game-high 22 points on 7-14 shooing and four triples. Britany Kogbara had 10 points with a pair of steals and Kelly Hunter scored nine with three assists. Gabi Giovannetti and Aniah Wayne each chipped in nine.  

Mia Morel and Ana Dias Oliveira each scored 15 to lead Missouri Western.