Strong performances from their veteran leaders was not enough for Missouri to overcome the reigning national champion.
Missouri women’s basketball (9-4) battled in the Bayou against the reigning national champion and No. 7 ranked LSU (13-1) on Jan. 4. Despite a tightly contested first half, LSU ran away in the second half en route to a 92-72 victory.
Missouri had the hot hand from long range to start the game, knocking down three of their first six 3-pointer attempts. The Tigers also held LSU to a 0/6 3-point shooting clip over the first 20 minutes. Despite six early turnovers for Robin Pingeton’s squad, they managed to keep LSU within reach, as LSU led 20-19 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams trading leads, which included Missouri’s final lead of the game. Both teams struggled to score throughout the quarter, as Missouri shot 5/18 from the field to LSU’s 6/14. However, Kim Mulkey’s crew turned things around by getting to the free throw line in the closing minutes of the half. Six successful free throw attempts propelled LSU to an 8-0 run to close out the half with a 39-32 lead.
The late first half surge flooded into the second half. LSU dominated Missouri by a score of 32-17 in the third quarter with an outstanding shooting effort in the frame. The Tigers struggled to gain traction due to continued turnovers, piling up five more during the quarter. These struggles allowed LSU to race out to a 71-49 lead heading into the final period.
“Way too many turnovers […] especially in that third quarter,” Pingeton said. “In the SEC, having 18 turnovers, you’re gonna make it a long game for yourselves.”
The fourth quarter was the lone term in which Missouri managed to outscore the home LSU Tigers. However, the hill proved to be too tall to climb for Missouri. By the time they managed to regain their shooting touch and resolve their turnover issues, time would expire with LSU on top 92-72.
Missouri’s veteran presence took center stage in this matchup as graduate students Hayley Frank and Abby Feit as well as senior Mama Dembele were the Tigers’ top contributors. Frank closed out the game with a team-high 22 points and four 3-pointers. Dembele added 15 points, six rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Feit proved to be a consistent contributor once again, chipping in 11 points and seven rebounds.
“Tonight was a tough matchup in a tough environment, but we’re gonna learn from it,” Pingeton said. “We’re gonna grow from it, and that’s the great thing about the SEC.”
Edited by Quentin Corpuel | qcorpuel@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Briana Iordan
