University of Missouri
1-0
Western Illinois
0-1
Tigers Dominate Western Illinois in Season Opener
11/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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The Tigers began the 2014-2015 campaign with a hot start, hitting four of their first five shots, including three from distance, to jump out to a quick 15-5 lead in the first five minutes of the game. Missouri came out playing staunch defense, holding Western Illinois to just 1-of-12 shooting to start the game, including a 1-for-8 mark from behind the arc.
Junior transfer Juanita Robinson recorded her first career start tonight, and she didn't disappoint in her debut. The junior from Chicago, Ill., hit two early three pointers on her way to 13 total points, with two rebounds and four assists. Robinson was a D-II First-Team All-American at Johnson County Community College.
In addition to Robinson, two returning Missouri Tigers also made a big impact on the game. Sophomore Jordan Frericks provided a strong inside presence for the Tigers, while senior Morgan Eye rained down shots from long range. The duo accounted for nearly half of Missouri's offensive output in the first half, combining for 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting as the Tigers took a 44-29 lead into halftime.
Following her 12-point performance in the first half, Morgan Eye came out looking for more in the second period. The senior from Montrose, Mo. knocked down three-pointer after three-pointer, en route to nine quick points in the beginning of the second half. The lights-out shooter finished with 21 points, all of them coming on three-point makes.
As the Tigers increased their lead in the second half, forward Kayla McDowell shined. The sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio completely dominated for a stretch in the second, scoring six of eight-consecutive Missouri points. McDowell - or, #McBuckets as she's more affectionately known to the Missouri fans on twitter - also recorded four rebounds, two assists and one steal in that same time. McDowell did a little bit of everything, finishing the game with a line of eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. She tied her career high in assists and set a new career high in steals in the win.
The dominant second half performance can be attributed to the relentless Tiger defense. Missouri held Western Illinois to an astonishing 1-for-20 shooting performance in the first 15 minutes of the second period. The Tigers outscored the Leathernecks 45-23 in the second half.
Mizzou will be back in action on Tuesday (Nov. 17) as they take on the SEMO Redhawks. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.. For all the latest updates on Mizzou Women's Basketball, be sure to follow the team on twitter @MizzouWBB or check www.MUTigers.com.
