SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Behind the complete-game effort from junior Paige Robinson, the Drury Lady Panthers kicked off the home portion of their 2020-21 season with a 93-59 win over the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University at the O'Reilly Family Event Center on Thursday night. 
 
Robinson, the reigning Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week, came within one rebound of a second double-double early-season performance, finishing with 18 points and 9 rebounds, along with 8 assists and 4 steals in guiding the Lady Panthers to their 35th win in a row, dating back to last season.
 
"I've said it on every radio show I've done this season, that I think Paige could potentially be the national Player of the Year, if we have a good year," said Drury head coach Amy Eagan.  "She's just that skilled and has really worked on what she needs to do out there."
 
Drury (3-0) jumped in front of the Bearcats, scoring the first 12 points of the game and racing to a quick first quarter advantage before the visitors were able to chip away and trailed 20-13 after the opening quarter. 
 
Throughout the opening twenty minutes of action, the Lady Panthers employed their smothering full-court pressure, forcing Southwest Baptist into 22 first half turnovers and headed to the intermission locker room with a 46-25 lead.
 
"That's the way the kids like to play," said Eagan.  "We have a lot of returners that are used to this system, and with the limited number of practices we had, we're trying to keep stuff similar to last year and make it easy for them."
 
Robinson would share scoring honors for Drury with senior Azia Lynch, who also closed with 18, hitting on 8 of 12 shots from the field.  Senior Emily Parker had 15 points, and freshman Haley Meely added 10 points in her home debut with the Lady Panthers.
 
Megan Worthington, with 13 points, topped the scoring effort for Southwest Baptist, who falls to 0-1 after opening their season in the contest.
 
Drury ended the night, forcing the Bearcats into 36 turnovers, including 24 steals, and won the rebounding battle, 40-37.
 
The Lady Panthers return to action Saturday, December 5, when they travel to William Jewell in Liberty, Missouri, for a 1 pm game.
 
 
#allweDUiswin