The women’s basketball season ended with a 12th straight loss, falling in the opening round of the SEC Tournament
The Missouri women’s basketball team ended their season on March 6, losing to Florida 66-60 in the opening round of the SEC Tournament.
The Tigers started ahead, outscoring the Gators 16-13 in the first quarter. Freshman guard Grace Slaughter led all scorers with seven points in the first 10 minutes.
That momentum quickly dwindled, as Florida controlled the second quarter with a 29-10 scoring run. The Gators went 13-of-19 during the frame, lighting up the scoresheet.
“I feel like it’s been kind of our story of the season,” head coach Robin Pingeton said after the game. “Our ability to win three quarters, just not quite get over that hump.”
Missouri refused to go away, cutting the Florida lead to seven after the third quarter. The Tigers controlled the scoring 17-8, as Slaughter poured in another seven points. Slaughter finished the game at 14 points, 6-of-15 from the field and 2-of-5 from the perimeter.
The Gators held on, as Missouri was able to cut the lead to two, but never any closer. Florida’s advantage came in their scoring efficiency, shooting 42.9% from the field compared to 34.9% for Missouri. The Gators finished with four separate scorers in double-digits, while the Tigers only had two.
Sophomore guard Ashton Judd was Missouri’s leading scorer with 17 points and seven rebounds. Judd made 6-of-13 of field goals, while going 3-of-6 from three.
With this loss, Missouri finished the season dropping 12-straight after starting the season 11-7. This marked the last game in a Tiger uniform for two starters: graduate forward Hayley Frank and senior guard Mama Dembele.
“They meant a lot, certainly on the court, but I just think incredible ambassadors for this university,” Pingeton said. “Couldn’t find two people to represent our program better than what they have.”
This caps the fifth losing season during Pingeton’s tenure, and the third of the last five years since the departure of Sophie Cunningham.
Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com
Edited by Genevieve Smith | gsmith@themaneater.com