The Tigers drops their second game of the early season
The Tigers fell to Norfolk State with a final score of 54-56.
Missouri and Norfolk State traded the ball back and forth until the Tigers took the lead 9-8 in the first quarter. Abbey Schreacke drilled a 3-pointer, building a strong 12-8 lead for the Tigers early on.
The Tigers moved the ball around but were not able to fend off a scoring surge from the Spartans, who took the first-quarter lead, 13-12.
The Tigers struggled offensively in the second quarter, but both defenses remained strong. Ashton Judd tied the score twice at 13-13 and 16-16, both times with perimeter shots. Tionna Herron made her season debut, scoring her first basket to improve the score to 18-19.
Laniah Randle showed off her aggression, tying the score once again with a basket and free throw.
The Spartans built a strong lead of 21-26 nearing the halftime break as Missouri’s offense began to fall apart. They tightened up its defense as a result, not allowing the Tigers to score. The second quarter ended with Norfolk State ahead 26-23.
Sophomore Grace Slaughter looks to pass as she handles the ball in the Tigers’ game versus Norfolk State on Sunday, Nov. 10 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The Tigers fell to the Spartans 57-54 after Norfolk State made a free throw for a three point lead and the Tigers’ last ditch play with two seconds on the clock fell through and did not tie the game.
Missouri’s offensive struggles didn’t stop in the third quarter. The Tigers pushed back against a Norfolk State run with baskets from Angelique Ngalakulondi and Judd, setting the score to 38-33. Schreacke would follow with a 3-pointer, ending the third quarter with the Tigers trailing 42-40.
The Tigers came back in the fourth quarter with a roar. Ngalakulondi quickly started the quarter with a basket to tie the score at 42-42.
Shortly after, Schreacke knocked down three 3-pointers, giving the Tigers its first lead since the first quarter.
Missouri’s defense continued to tighten as the clock narrowed down to a minute, with the score still tied.
The Tigers fought hard, but Norfolk State scored one final basket setting the score to 56-54 with six seconds remaining. This clinched the victory for the visiting Spartans and dropped the Tigers to 1-2 on the season.
Unsurprisingly, Schreacke was the lead scorer with 15 points and 23 minutes of playing time. Ngalakulondi follows close behind scoring 14 points overall and six rebounds.
More team highlights include Randle with 10 rebounds and nine points and Herron with her first appearance with four points and a rebound.
The Tigers faced Tulane on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Mizzou Arena.
Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com