The Tigers won their second straight game by double digits as they prepare for a rigorous conference schedule.
Missouri women’s basketball remained undefeated at home this season. On Wednesday, they took down their cross-state competitors in Missouri State 81-63.
Neither team had the clear edge early in the first quarter until sophomore Ashton Judd made three straight baskets to spark a 9-0 Tigers run. 7 points and four rebounds in the first quarter by Judd helped Missouri lead 22-11 at the end of the frame.
By the end of the second quarter, nine Tigers had played and they all scored. They led Missouri State 40-29 thanks to senior Mama Dembele’s all-around efforts. Dembele accounted for 5 points, five rebounds and four assists at the end of the second quarter.
“The more we can rotate early, I thought that would be to our benefit,” head coach Robin Pingeton said. “We’re at our best when we go a little bit deeper into our bench.”
The Tigers fought hard to hold off the Bears and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Dembele captained the ship in the third quarter. She made plays for teammates with her stellar passing and tallied four assists in the quarter, three of which resulted in a 3-pointer. They would head into the final period up 60-46.
Dembele, No. 15 in the country in assists per game as of Wednesday (6.4), put on a passing clinic as the Tigers turned up the heat. The fourth quarter was the knockout round, and Missouri State was put to sleep. The Tigers made it two straight double-digit wins in a row with a final score of 81-63.
Dembele and Judd each finished with double-doubles. Judd led all scorers with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Dembele fell two rebounds shy of a triple-double. Dembele added 10 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds and three steals.
After the game, Pingeton acknowledged Dembele’s incredible growth and leadership.
“She understands the impact that she has on this team in so many ways, bigger than scoring, with her demeanor and her leadership,” Pingeton said.
The Tigers will next head to Champaign to take on Illinois. The matchup takes place on Sunday Dec. 17 and tips off at 3 p.m. The contest will be streamed on the Big Ten Network.
Edited by Quentin Corpuel | qcorpuel@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Briana Iordan