University of Missouri
Western Illinois
Tigers End Non-Conference Season with a Victory
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
December 29, 1998
COLUMBIA, Mo.- It was ugly, but it was a win. The MU women's basketball team (7-3) overcame some post holiday rust on Tuesday night to defeat the Western Illinois Westerwinds and former MU assistant coach Leslie Crane, 71-48 at the Hearnes Center. The Tigers forced 25 turnovers and held Western Illinois (1-9) to just 33 percent shooting.
The Tigers took a 30-21 lead into the half thank to 14 points and 4 rebounds by Amy Monsees. Monsees ended the game leading Mizzou with 17 points. Julie Helm was held to just one point in the first half. It was the MU defense that helped take the nine-point lead into the break. Western Illinois, playing without their top player Rhonda Gondringer, turned the ball over 14 times in the half.
The second half belonged to the Tigers. Despite shooting just 32 percent from the floor in the second half, Missouri made the big buckets when they needed to. Tracy Franklin connected for two three pointers and freshman Natalie Bright put the nail in the coffin with a three of her own off a feed from Kesha Bonds.
Speaking of Bonds, the Tiger senior center collected her 31st double-double of her career with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Bonds, now with 844 career rebounds, passed Annette Schwander for third place on MU's all-time rebounds chart.
Despite her tough start, Julie Helm added 15 second half points to extend her consecutive double figure scoring total to 25 games.
The Tigers open conference action this Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. at Nebraska. The game will be carried Fox Sports Net.
