| Match | Location | Day/Time (CT) | Media |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs. No. 1 South Carolina | Columbia, Mo. | Thursday// 8:00 p.m. | SEC Network + |
GAME 18: MIZZOU VS. NO. 1 SOUTH CAROLINA
THURSDAY, JAN. 15
Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. CT
Arena: Mizzou Arena (15,061)
Radio: KTGR 100.5 FM, 103.1 FM and 1580 AM
Live Video: SEC Network
Talent: Paul Sunderland (PxP) Carolyn Peck (Analyst)
Live Scoring: Mizzou.Statbroadcast.com
Thursday's Promotions: GOLD RUSH! Fans who wear gold to Thursday's game vs. South Carolina will receive $2 admission. It's an SEC Network game, so let's fill the Arena!
Last Time vs. South Carolina
Mizzou traveled to the other Columbia last season, falling to the Gamecocks, 78-62. Senior Bri Kulas tallied 21 points while junior Morgan Eye finished with 14 points thanks to 4-for-5 three-point shooting. Kulas finished with 10 rebounds as well, marking her fifth double-double of the season. Last time the Gamecocks traveled to Mizzou, however, Bri Kulas and Liz Smith turned in impressive performances on senior night, carrying Mizzou to a 65-58 win over then-No. 14 South Carolina. Kulas accounted for a career-high 26 points to accompany 11 rebounds, and Smith tallied eight points with five boards. The strong team effort led to the Tiger's second victory in a row over ranked opponents, previously knocking off then-No. 10 Tennessee.
Scouting the Gamecocks
Ranked No. 1 in the country and in the SEC, the Gamecocks remain undefeated this season. South Carolina has three players averaging double-figure scoring numbers so far this year. Tiffany Mitchell leads the team and is fifth in the SEC with her 14.8 points per game. Freshman A'ja Wilson averages 13.9 points per game followed by 11.1 points per game by Alaina Coates. Coates also leads the team in rebounding, grabbing just over eight boards per game.
Quick Hits
• The Tigers have plenty of experience playing top-ranked teams, but the Tigers haven't faced a No. 1-ranked opponent since the 2011-12 season. No. 1 Baylor came to Mizzou Arena on Feb. 2, 2012 taking home a win over the Tigers.
• Mizzou has defeated two or more ranked teams in three of head coach Robin Pingeton's four years at Mizzou, and the Tigers' last win over a ranked opponent came against No. 16 Vanderbilt last season. Six of Mizzou's last seven wins over ranked opponents have come at Mizzou Arena. See page 7 for a more detailed look.
• In 16 games this season the Tigers have allowed just two teams to shoot better than 40-percent in a game. In fact, the Tigers have limited opponents to less than 37-percent shooting in 13 of 17 games, winning 11 of those 13 contests. Mizzou has not allowed an opponent to shoot better than 40-percent in eight consecutive games with the high-water mark in that span coming from Georgia, which shot 37.1-percent.
• The 47 points allowed by Mizzou against Florida are the fewest that the Tigers have ever allowed in a regular season SEC game since joining the league and match the fewest ever in an SEC game allowed by the Tigers (Mizzou held Vanderbilt to 53 in the SEC Tournament in 2012-13)
• Mizzou has been getting it done with defense so far this season. In fact, in 11 of the Tigers' games this season, they have held their opponents to 60 or fewer points. Of course, Mizzou has won nine of those 11 contests. Mizzou held its opponents to 60 or fewer points just 11 times last season. In fact, Mizzou has won 18 of its last 21 games when holding opponents to fewer than 60 points (dating back to the start of last season).
• A big reason why Mizzou's defense has been so stingy is the fact that they are limiting opponents to 33.2-percent shooting this season, the top mark in the SEC and the 3rd in the nation.
• The Tigers have also made a living on limiting second-chance points this season. In eight games this year, Mizzou has limited its opponent to single-digit second-chance points. The last time coming against Florida, when the Tigers allowed the Gators just three second-chance points.
• Jordan Frericks sits at No. 51 in the nation for her rebounding numbers so far this season. Not only that, but the Tigers are outrebounding opponents by 8.0 rebounds per game, good for 27th in the nation.
• The Tigers have gone hard on the glass this season, outrebounding opponents in 14 games so far this year. In fact, even in Mizzou's six losses, the Tigers are outrebounding opponents by more than three boards a game. The Tigers grabbed a season-high 55 rebounds against UNLV on Nov. 21. Mizzou has tallied 50 or more boards in three games so far this year.
• Mizzou Arena is truly a difficult place for the Tiger opponents this season. Mizzou is outscoring opponents by 13.5 points on their home turf. The Tigers are holding opponents to just over 31-percent shooting and forcing almost 17 turnovers per game on Norm Stewart Court.
