After losing to Louisiana State University 80-71 on Thursday, Missouri women’s basketball put a stop to its losing streak with a 74-68 win over Vanderbilt on Sunday.
**Against LSU:**
In the game against Louisiana State, shooting was not a problem.
Sophomore guard Sophie Cunningham has been shooting lights out in conference play, shooting 55.2 percent and scoring 20.3 points per game — the second most in the Southeastern Conference. Her terrific form continued against LSU, when she poured in a season-high 32 points.
Seniors Lindsey Cunningham and Sierra Michaelis were also productive, chipping in 16 and 14 points, respectively. Lindsey had a season-high eight assists, and Mizzou scored a season-high 12 three-pointers in the game.
The productivity helped Mizzou shoot its way into an early lead, but turnovers proved troublesome. The Tigers gave up the ball a season-worst 27 times, allowing 33 points off turnovers. This was especially bad against LSU, a team that has forced 22.9 turnovers per game.
Turnovers proved fatal in the second half of the game, and eventually, Missouri fell behind.
**Against Vanderbilt:**
Freshmen Amber Smith and Jordan Chavis received a lot of credit for Mizzou’s first road conference win.
Chavis shot a perfect 4-of-4 from behind the three-point line, providing the Tigers with a crucial boost. Smith, who typically scores in the paint, also scored a career-high three treys, adding in 12 points.
Nevertheless, it was a very tight game. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, and Vanderbilt led by two points at the half. The second half also started off tight, but thanks to Chavis’ and Smith’s contributions off the bench, Mizzou eventually shot ahead.
The Tigers made a season-high 13 three-pointers in Nashville, a positive trend after the Tigers began the season in the bottom half of the SEC in three-point shooting.
**Next up:**
The Tigers will play Texas A&M on Jan. 19 at the Mizzou Arena. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. Mizzou’s next opponent is currently ranked 25th in the Associated Press poll.
_Edited by Eli Lederman | elederman@themaneater.com_