Nov. 20, 2000

Box Score

Columbia, Mo.-Sometimes all it takes is the right mindset, and tonight the University of Missouri women's basketball team proved that they're ready to take on the best. The Tigers downed the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks in a 79-67 victory. Missouri shot 51 percent from the field, 47 percent from 3-point range and 50 percent from the freethrow line to defeat Arkansas. But despite posting great offensive numbers, the real winner in the game was an outstanding Tiger defense. MU kept Arkansas to shooting just 33 percent from the field and 24 percent from the 3-point arc. Mizzou also forced 22 turnovers and captured nine steals to best the Lady Backs.

The game started as a back and forth battle where neither team seemed to be able to capitalize. Unsuccessful shots and defensive rebounds turned the first nine minutes of the match into a 12-12 tug of war. The Tigers then turned up the heat and went on a 15-point streak before Arkansas could find the net. In the first period, Mizzou hit over 54 percent from all areas of the field to leave the half with a 43-31 lead.

In the second period, Mizzou came out with the same intensity, running a strong two-three-zone defense. They hit 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from the 3-point arc and kept Arkansas below the 35 percentile in both categories during the second half. Despite pulling down 42 rebounds and capturing 21 Tiger turnovers, the Lady Backs were unable to overpower the Mizzou defensive strategy.

The game was heated from the tipoff, as the rivalry created last season was re-ignited. While no players fouled out of the game, Arkansas committed 22 penalties and Missouri came up with 21.

Senior Amanda Lassiter emerged as the star in the game for Missouri with a double-double. The forward scored 22 points and captured 11 rebounds, including eight defensive boards. She also dished out five assists and three blocks.

"I thought Lassiter played like an All-American," Arkansas Head Coach Gary Blair said. "Now that she's able to go outside, she's the whole package."

MU Head Coach Cindy Stein agrees, "Lassiter is a perimeter player. She wanted to take over tonight and she did. She is one of the most well rounded players I've seen in a long time."

Seniors Tracy Franklin and Marlena Williams, along with sophomore Kerensa Barr joined Lassiter with a double figure in the scoring column. Franklin was second on the team with 16 points, just two points shy of her career-high of eighteen set against Eastern Illinois last Friday. Barr scored 12 points in the contest and led the Tigers with six assists and five steals. Williams netted 11 points.

Also standing out for Mizzou, freshman starter Evan Unrau led the team with 12 rebounds, including 11 defensive boards. She scored seven points in the game and dished out two assists. She also shot 75 percent from the field making three-of-four.

"I think we took good shots," Stein said. "I saw kids who wanted the ball and who were able to maintain the lead when Arkansas was on the attack. We needed to set up motion on the press breaker and have a fluid offense, and I think they did that.
"I'm very proud. We came out prepared for this game and I think we can use it as a measuring stick. This was a great defensive ball game for us. They talked well and played a physical game inside and that's what won our game, defense."