Gia Moore scored a career-high 24 points as Missouri Valley overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the William Penn Statesmen on Wednesday, Jan. 22 by a 64-42 score, while the men held onto a close lead to complete the sweep with a 87-82 win in Iowa.

A low-scoring first half saw the MoValley women limited to 27 percent shooting from the field, while the Statesmen were under 25 percent as the hosts claimed a 20-16 halftime lead. Despite allowing the first basket in the second half, the Vikings snapped out of their offensive slump, going on a 12-2 run to end the third quarter. MoValley then limited William Penn to just nine points in the final term while shooting better than 50 percent from three-point range in the second half to put the Statesmen away for good.

Moore was one of three Vikings in double figures, as Ricarda Schott bucketed 14 points and Ylenia Exposito achieved another double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Viking women improve to 16-3 on the season, including a 12-3 mark in the Heart.

An early lead provided the cushion needed for the Missouri Valley men to ward off a Statesmen comeback. The Vikings led by as much as 17 twice in the contest, as strong three-point shooting helped keep the Vikings ahead throughout the contest, leading 42-37 at the half. MoValley ultimately weathered William Penn’s comeback attempt, as the Statemen posted a 52-39 advantage in rebounds, including three times as many offensive boards that led to 22 second-chance points.

Keenan Jones led all scorers with 27 points, one of four Viking starters in double figures. David Ajanaku added 18 points along with 11 rebounds, while Cawhan Smith and Jarrius Burnett each posted 14 points. The Missouri Valley men improved to 7-12 overall, 6-9 in the conference.

The Vikings make another trip to Iowa this Saturday, when they face Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids. The women’s game tips off at noon, followed by the men’s game at 2 p.m.