It wasn't the way Truman hoped to clinch a playoff berth, but it works.

 The Bulldogs fell to Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, Mo.) 78-59. The loss kept the team's conference record at 5-12 in the MIAA with just one game remaining.

But Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg), which was tied with Truman, dropped its conference game against Pittsburg State University (Kansas) to hand the 'Dogs the final playoff spot.

After taking an early lead, the 'Dogs were unable to match Southwest Baptist's hot outside shooting. Southwest Baptist connected on 12 three-pointers in the game.

  Despite Southwest Baptist's hot shooting, the 'Dogs kept the game relatively close throughout the first half. But Southwest Baptist quickly increased the lead to double digits and kept the 'Dogs at arms' length the rest of the way.

The 'Dogs received another solid performance from junior forward Annie Westhoff, who scored a team-high 27 points with 22 of those points coming in the second half. Junior forward Sarah Sommer was the only other Truman player in double figures with 11 points.

The 'Dogs can still reach the conference tournament with a win Saturday. The 'Dogs will face Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg) at home in the team's regular-season finale. The 'Dogs lead CMSU by one game in the conference standings.

Earlier in the week, the 'Dogs gained sole possession of eighth place in the conference by defeating Missouri Southern State College (Joplin) 66-61 on Saturday. The win gave the 'Dogs a one-game lead over CMSU.

"I thought we played really well," head coach John Sloop said. "Everybody got in there and contributed, and that's basically what a team is about."

The 'Dogs came out strong against Missouri Southern, opening a 32-25 lead in the first half. After Missouri Southern took a two-point lead early in the second half, the 'Dogs responded with a 10-0 run that gave them the lead for good.

Sloop said he especially was pleased with the team's effort level during the game.

"I was real proud of the effort the kids gave," Sloop said. "It's hard to go on the road and win, especially in this league."

The 'Dogs received another solid performance from junior forward Annie Westhoff. After scoring a career-high 30 points earlier in the week, Westhoff contributed 14 points and nine rebounds against Missouri Southern. The two-game stretch earned Westhoff MIAA women's basketball player of the week honors. 

"Annie has continued to improve her game," Sloop said. "The kids recognize she's got a hot hand and they're doing everything they can to give her opportunities."

In addition to Westhoff, the 'Dogs also received big games from junior forward Sarah Sommer and sophomore guard Kelli Floyd, who contributed 18 and 14 points, respectively.

With just two games left on the schedule, Westhoff said the 'Dogs are confident they can continue to finish the season strong.

"Everyone's feeling pretty good," Westhoff said. "We're all ready to go out and fight for those last two victories."

While the team's playoff  standing could change in the next few games, Sloop said the  'Dogs aren't paying attention to the standings.

"Our focus is getting better every day and trying to clinch a spot in the conference tournament, and then we'll go from there," Sloop said.

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