Jan. 3, 2007
BOULDER, Colo. - Missouri couldn't overcome a poor shooting night as it lost its Big 12 opener to Colorado, 71-59, at the Coors Events Center on Wednesday.
Missouri (12-2, 0-1 Big 12) shot just 32 percent while Colorado (7-6, 1-0) had its best shooting night of the season, converting 56 percent.
Tiffany Brooks and Carlynn Savant led the Tigers with 14 points each, while Savant led MU with eight rebounds. EeTisha Riddle had 13 points.
CU got double-doubles from Jackie McFarland and Kara Richards as the Buffs' top inside threats combined for 29 points and 24 rebounds.
Mizzou held a 31-29 lead at the half but CU opened the second period on a 14-4 run to lead 43-35 with 14 minutes to play. The Tigers battled back and after trailing by as many as 17 with 5:41 to play and cut the deficit to 63-57 with 1:47 left.
But the Buffs made eight free throws down the stretch to outscore the Tigers 8-2.
Following an EeTisha Riddle layup to open the game, CU got consecutive baskets by Jasmina Ilic for a 5-2 lead. Mizzou took its next lead on a pair of 3-pointers from Blair Hardiek and Carlynn Savant to take a 8-7 lead.
The Tigers made their first four shots from outside and led 25-17 with 6:56 to play in the half thanks to a steal and layup from Tiffany Brooks. CU came back and took a 28-27 lead on a Jackie McFarland bucket. Brooks then made a pair of acrobatic layups as MU closed the period on a 4-1 run for a 31-29 lead at the break.
MU shot just 44 percent in the half and committed nine turnovers. Savant led the Tigers with 12 in the half on the strength of three 3-pointers. She also had four rebounds and a pair of steals.
Missouri will return home to face Iowa State (13-1, 1-0) in the Tigers' Big 12 home opener on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off at Mizzou Arena is set for 1:00 p.m. and will be followed at 5 p.m. by the MU men versus Iowa State.