Strong performances from Grace Slaughter and Abbey Schreacke aided in the Tigers’ victory
Missouri women’s basketball claimed a close win against Southern Methodist University, narrowly escaping the Mustangs 68-61.
In the first quarter, both the teams were neck and neck. Forward Angelique Ngalakulondi tied up the score early 2-2 with a layup. Guard Nyah Wilson would put Missouri in the lead 5-2 with a three-pointer.
Missouri sophomore guard Grace Slaughter looks to score while being guarded by SMU sophomore guard Kylie Marshall on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Slaughter scored 17 of the points that led Missouri to a 68-61 victory over SMU.
A three pointer and a layup from Grace Slaughter helped the Tigers build a strong lead of 14-6. SMU tried to catch up, but the Tiger’s offense held them off.
Ashton Judd and Slaughter both made baskets setting the score to 19-11. With two free throws from forward Hannah Linthacum, Missouri wrapped up the quarter with a 21-13 lead.
Missouri senior guard Nyah Wilson dribbles past SMU senior guard Zanai Jones on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Wilson played in 37 minutes of the game, her longest duration on the court this season.
SMU strengthened its offense in the second quarter and the Tigers had to up its defensive intensity to match it. Sharpshooting guard Abbey Schreacke broke the Tiger’s silence with a jumper. Linthacum, shortly followed with a layup to increase the lead to 25-18.
The Mustangs followed close on the Tiger’s tail, but a jumper and free throw from Slaughter and Linthacum would solidify the Tiger’s lead in the second quarter 33-29.
The Tigers came back strong in the third quarter with scores from Slaughter, Wilson and Judd putting the score at 40-31.
In the final quarter, Schreacke shot two free throws, then scored back to back three-pointers resulting in a 61-56 lead. Wilson would wrap up the game with two free throws, ending the game 68-61.
The Missouri women’s basketball team huddles before tipoff against SMU on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, MO.
Slaughter was the top scorer with 17 points and the top defender with 10 rebounds. Schreacke followed closely behind with 16 points and a rebound.
The Tigers played Northern Illinois on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Mizzou Arena.
Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Hannah taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com