HOXIE, Ark. --Kiley Bess outscored Poplar Bluff's opponent as the Mules opened the eight-team Mustang Classic with a 60-22 win over Midland (Ark.) on Thursday.
Bess finished with 24 points, scoring 13 first-quarter points as the Mules (7-3) raced out to a 24-4 lead. Doni Everts chipped in 14 points while Shelby Sievers added eight.
The Mules won their third straight and held an opponent to a season-low point total.
Katie Pattillo scored her only points in the first quarter while Sierra Sievers scored four points off the bench along with reserves Hannah Corcimiglia (3 points), Abby Turner (2), Keke Hardaway (2), Zoe Savat (1).
Poplar Bluff faces Maynard (Ark.), a 60-39 winner over Hillcrest (Ark.), in a semifinal Friday.
Thayer 55, Van Buren 38
The Lady Dawgs fell behind by nine at halftime and struggled through a third quarter where they only scored four points, and Thayer increased its lead by 10.
Jalynn Morgan led Van Buren with 18 points after going 7 for 8 on free throws.