This is a team that, just a few days ago, beat a Division II team by only three points.

This is a team that has been suffering through injuries since day one of the season — a team that had plenty of doubters.

This is a team that, on Saturday afternoon, managed to demolish Western Illinois in an 89-52 victory.

The Missouri women’s basketball team got off to a hot start, earning a 13-0 lead early on. Although there was a fair share of back-and-forth between the Tigers and Leathernecks throughout the remainder of the first half, Mizzou’s execution with transition defense helped it maintain the lead.

“I think (the opening run) was really big,” senior guard Morgan Eye said. “We talk so much about making sure it’s our defense that’s being our offense, so I think that’s what really helped fuel that run.”

The second half was almost worse than the first for WIU, with Missouri going on a 36-5 streak, shutting down almost every chance for the visiting team to score.

“I’m pleased with our effort today,” Missouri coach Robin Pingeton said. “I thought we did what we were supposed to do. I really liked our focus.”

Focus seemed to be key to the day’s win.

“A big emphasis is focusing and concentrating on one thing at a time,” Eye said. “And, I think we really came out and did that here tonight.”

Eye was on fire.

With 21 points, all of which were 3-pointers, it seemed like the senior could not miss.

Her ability to drain her shots has become a point of admiration for her fellow teammates, especially newcomers.

“I’ve been watching her shoot for the past few years, and I still can’t believe it when she knocks down shot after shot,” freshman forward Bri Porter said.

In the absence of starting point guard Lianna Doty, who is out with an injury, the Tigers were able to successfully fill the spot, mainly utilizing the abilities of sophomore Lindsey Cunningham and freshman Carrie Shephard.

With the season opener in the books, and with the team seemingly in shape, Mizzou awaits Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 17.