Missouri women’s basketball was 11-10 heading into the Feb. 4 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. With a win, the Tigers would snap a three-game losing streak and avoid dropping to a 50% win percentage for the first time this season. Unfortunately, they were handed a loss with a final score of 80-69. 

This game was an uphill battle from the start as graduate Hayley Frank, the Tigers’ leading scorer and rebounder, was held out of the contest with an injury. Frank is listed as day-to-day analysis as to whether she can play in upcoming games.

In Frank’s absence, graduate Abby Feit was given the starting position. Senior Mama Dembele shined for the Tigers offensively, scoring 8 points in the first quarter on a perfect 4/4 shooting efficiency. 

The Tigers’ collective shot a very efficient 61.5% from the field, but the Volunteers managed an impressive 62.5% in response. Tennessee’s scorching start included a 6/10 three-point shooting clip on their way to a 28-17 lead in the opening period.

In the second quarter, Missouri struggled to find their rhythm. On the defensive end, they were dominated by Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson who scored 19 points in the first half. Offensively, the Tigers floundered, managing to only make 38.5% of their shots. At the half, Mama Dembele led the Tigers in points, rebounds and assists with 12, 4 and 3 respectively.

Head coach Robin Pingeton’s squad, who ranks last in the SEC in rebounding, showed resolve on the boards. For the first 20 minutes, Missouri beat Tennessee on the glass despite the Vols being ranked No. 13 in the country in rebounds per game heading into Sunday’s contest. Despite this undeniable effort, the Tigers trailed the Volunteers 46-34 at the end of the half.

The Tigers were off to a slow start in the second half, scoring their first points at the 6:12 mark of the third quarter. Missouri would then surge over the next several minutes with a 12-0 run. This was capped off by a three-pointer from freshman Grace Slaughter, who had 7 points in the quarter. This shot made it a three-point game. The Volunteers stopped the Tigers in their tracks, closing the quarter on an 11-0 run of their own and taking a 63-49 lead heading into the final quarter.

Freshman Hilke Feldrappe saw increased minutes in Sunday’s action while playing nine minutes in the final period of play. She spearheaded the Tigers comeback charge, recording 9 of Missouri’s final 20 points. However, this comeback attempt was thwarted as Tennessee held on for the win.

Mama Dembele put on a strong all-around performance with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals, leading the Tigers in each of the respective categories. Also reaching double digits was Slaughter, Sophomore Ashton Judd, and Feldrappe with 14, 12 and 11 respectively.

Edited by Grace Ainger

Copy edited by Grace Knight

Edited by Scout Hudson | shudson@themaneater.com