Haskell women open hoops season with victory

? Haskell Indian Nations University opened its women’s basketball season with a victory Friday night. The Fightin’ Indians defeated Hannibal-LaGrange College, 62-55, in the College of Ozarks Classic.

The Indians were led by Maria Parker with 16 points and seven rebounds, Justina George with 12 points, Nicole Little Sun with 11 points and Autumn Burtt with six rebounds.

Haskell shot just 29 percent in the first half, but improved to 57 percent in the second half and 42 percent for the game.

“We didn’t play well in the first half, but in the second half we played well,” HINU coach Phil Homeratha said.

The Indians will play William Penn (Iowa) at 1 p.m. today. They will open at home at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday against Kansas Wesleyan.