University of Missouri
Toledo
Mizzou Downs Toledo, 70-50
12/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2008
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's basketball team rushed out to an early lead to record a 70-50 victory over Toledo Wednesday night at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers improve to 3-4 on the year while the Rockets fall to 2-5.
Senior Alyssa Hollins and sophomore Shakara Jones each scored 15 points to pace the Tigers while junior Jessra Johnson contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.
"I think you saw defensively what we're capable of doing, I'm really proud of them about that," Missouri Head Coach Cindy Stein said. "We still have things to work on but we caused a lot of excitement. It's nice to have a game like this where everyone can contribute."
The Tigers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and grabbed four steals within the first minute and half of the contest. On the offensive end, Mizzou made seven of its first 11 shots to run to a 16-2 lead after redshirt freshman Bekah Mills nailed a three with 14:57 on the clock.
Missouri kept it up offensively and gradually built a 24-point advantage, 34-10, capped by back-to-back baskets from freshman Bailey Gee. The Rockets managed to get within 17, 37-20, when Allie Clifton converted a layup with 24 second left in the frame but Hollins buried a jumper with five seconds remaining to give the Tigers a 39-20 halftime advantage.
Mills hit a three-pointer 14 seconds into the second half to put the Tigers back on top 20, 42-22, as Mizzou maintained its comfortable lead throughout final 20 minutes.
A steal and ensuing layup from sophomore RaeShara Brown with 7:35 left in the contest game Mizzou its biggest lead of the night, 64-39. The Tigers also led by 25 when Gee made a baseline jumper to give the squad a 68-45 advantage with 3:47 remaining.
Mizzou next hits the court on Tuesday, Dec. 9 in a contest with Bradley at 6:30 p.m. at Mizzou Arena. The game with the Braves will be televised live on the Mizzou Sports Network with Beau Baehman on play-by-play and former Iowa State Cyclone Anne O'Neil providing color commentary. The Tigers then return to Mizzou Arena on Sunday, Dec. 14 in a 2 p.m. game against UT Martin.
