Missouri women’s basketball began the toughest part of the season in January, a month of eight consecutive SEC matchups. After leaving winless through the first six games, an upset win over Mississippi State gave the Tigers its first conference victory in over a year. 

Despite riding high off the victory, the momentum wasn’t enough to keep the success going. Missouri fell in a valiant effort, 61-70, to the No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns, following up with another close loss the next game, 71-76, to No. 19. Tennessee. 

Despite going 1-2 in the last three matchups, the Tigers put up an impressive showing in each game. Here are three takeaways from those three games.

Grace Slaughter’s shot volume has a heavy correlation to team success

In the victory over Mississippi State, the Tigers’ lead guard Slaughter finished with career highs in shot attempts with 21 and points with 31. In the next two games, granted against tougher competition, she regressed, attempting 15 and 13 shots. 

It’s no coincidence that Slaughter taking command resulted in the Tiger’s success. She has a strong case as the Tiger’s best all-around scorer. Although she’s only a sophomore and may still be finding her way as a team leader, it’s time for her to take the next step. 

Against tougher competition, Slaughter should be taking a minimum of 15 shots per night and striving to hit 17 or 18 if she can. Her offensive efficiency is top-notch, so it’s time to see if she can keep it that way with an increased volume. 

De’Myla Brown needs to see the court more 

The fifth-year senior lit up the Tennessee Volunteers for a season-high 18 points in just 20 minutes, with 14 coming in the fourth quarter. While her late-game heroics weren’t enough to steal a win, she may have proven herself ready for a larger role. 

In 21 appearances this season, Brown averaged 5.3 points per game on 43.6% from three-point range, along with 0.8 steals per game. These stats may not look like much, but Brown is accomplishing it all in just 10.9 minutes per game. 

Brown’s pick-pocket instinct and fiery jumper are a perfect complement to Missouri’s fast-paced style of play. She shoots 85.7% from the free throw line and has only turned over the ball six times over the eight-game stretch of conference play.

Crashing the glass should be an emphasis 

The Tigers are averaging 35.7 rebounds per game this season, ranking No. 15 in the SEC with only two teams below them. A number this poor could be a reason for the Tigers’ struggles this season.

Laniah Randle led the way with 6.3 rebounds per game and Ashton Judd followed her at 5.1, but no other Tiger averaged more than five a night. 

Despite the loss, an outlier performance from the Tigers resulted in a 40-to-39 advantage on the glass over Tennessee. However, the previous two matchups saw Missouri get out-rebounded by double digits against both Mississippi State and Texas. 

The Tigers succeed in fast-break scenarios. If turnovers aren’t generated, the only way to get out on a fast break is by rebounding the ball. By not crashing the glass, Missouri fails to play to one of its biggest strengths. 

If the Tigers want to play its current brand of basketball, an all-around increase in production on the defensive glass is needed from the whole roster.

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com 

Copy Edited by Chase Pray | cpray@themaneater.com 

Copy edited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz |  agoodykoontz@themaneater.com