University of Missouri
1-0 exh
Lindenwood
0-1 exh
Tigers Open Exhibition Play with a Win over Lindenwood
11/5/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Columbia, Mo. - Lights out shooting from guard Morgan Eye and impressive post play from forward Jordan Frericks helped propel the Mizzou Women's Basketball team to a 67-61 victory over Lindenwood University in exhibition play on Wednesday night (Nov. 5) in the Hearnes Center. Coming off back-to-back postseason appearances, the Tigers set the tone for the 2014-2015 season with a win to kick-off the year.
Mizzou came out playing up-tempo basketball to start off the game. Sophomore point guard Lindsey Cunningham led the aggressive Missouri offense to open chances at the rim and uncontested shots from three early on in the game as the Tigers took a 22-12 lead eight minutes into the game. Lindenwood was able to keep the game within reach as a result of their hot three-point shooting. Four of Lindenwood's first six field goals were three-point makes.
The Missouri offense was greatly benefited by a dominant shooting performance from senior Morgan Eye. She knocked down back-to-back threes during a 10-0 Missouri run to give the Tigers some breathing room in the first period. With just over four minutes remaining in the first half, Eye had already recorded 17 points on six-of-eight shooting, including a five-of-six mark from long distance. At intermission, the Tigers sported a 47-29 lead, shooting 50-percent from the field and from three-point range.
After halftime adjustments, Missouri allowed just two Lindenwood field goal makes in the first seven minutes to begin the second period. Jordan Frericks spearheaded the defensive effort, tallying five rebounds, one block, and one steal in the opening minutes of the second half as the Tigers led 55-33. Frericks finished the game just shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds. Frericks' four double-doubles last year was the second-highest figure on the team.
With a lead for the entire duration of the second period, some Mizzou newcomers were able to check in and get some valuable in-game experience early in the season. Freshman Bri Porter and junior Juanita Robinson combined for 16 points, two rebounds and two assists in 30 total minutes played. Porter, a Columbia, Mo., native, was the No. 41 recruit in the country this year, according to ESPNU. A late Lindenwood rally put the Lions within striking distance as the game drew to a finish, but the Tigers were able to fend them off for the win.
Missouri will conclude exhibition play after their next game, a matchup with Missouri Western. That game will take place on Nov. 11 at Mizzou Arena. Tip-off is a 7 p.m. For more information on Mizzou Women's Basketball, please visit our website, mutigers.com.
