University of Missouri
Tennessee-Martin
Mizzou Wins Home Opener, 53-30
12/7/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 7, 2010
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COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's basketball team held the UT Martin Skyhawks to 18.6 percent shooting as the Tigers notched a 53-30 victory in the squad's home opener Tuesday night at Mizzou Arena. The win improved Mizzou's record to 4-4 on the season, while the Skyhawks fell to 4-4.
"We're making strides, we have a long way to go before that Big 12 season gets here but we're definitely moving in the right direction," Missouri Head Coach Robin Pingeton. "We're making it hard on teams from a defensive standpoint. We gave up a few more offensive rebounds than I would have liked but I think defensively we're doing a good job of staying locked in."
Sophomore Sydney Crafton posted her first career double-double with a personal best 15 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with four steals and three assists. Senior RaeShara Brown also recorded 15 points, dished out three assists and nabbed three steals. Junior Christine Flores had 12 points and seven blocks, which tied the Missouri single-game record.
The Tigers used the hot hand of Crafton to run out to an 11-3 advantage just over six minutes into the contest. Crafton scored seven of those points, including a three-pointer, during the run. Stout defense by Missouri kept UT Martin from hitting its shots, as the visitors had just five points on the board over 16 minutes into the game, with Mizzou on top 20-5.
The Skyhawks then hit three consecutive shots to cut Missouri's lead to 20-12 with 1:58 left in the first frame, but baskets from freshman Maggie Flynn and Brown gave the Tigers a 24-12 halftime advantage.
Missouri continued to build its lead in the second half thanks to the team's fast break. With the Tigers ahead 37-19, Mizzou reeled off eight straight fast break buckets, the last two from Crafton, to earn its biggest lead of the game, 45-19, with 9:28 left.
Mizzou had a season high 12 blocks and outscored the Skyhawks 20-2 in fast break points.
The Tigers return to Mizzou Arena on Saturday, Dec. 11 for a game with UMKC at Noon. The game will be televised on the Mizzou Sports Network, which can be found on Fox Sports Midwest in mid-Missouri and Metro Sports in Kansas City. Beau Baehman and Gary Link will call the action for the telecast.
