A resounding defensive effort and yet another impressive game from forward Jordan Frericks propelled the Tigers to an 80-30 victory over McKendree on Monday, the largest margin of victory by any Tiger team in exhibition play during the Robin Pingeton era.
The redshirt senior continued her stellar return from injury by not only adding to the Tiger scoring frenzy with nine points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, but also contributing defensively. Frericks accumulated four defensive rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots during her 17 minutes of play.
"That's one of my favorite things to do," Frericks responded when asked about her defensive style of play. "Getting tips and deflections, just getting those steals for another opportunity."
Frericks and the Tigers effectively shutdown any offensive rhythm McKendree hoped to establish, holding the Bearcats to just 25 percent shooting and not allowing a single quarter of double-digit scoring.
Frericks' play is not going unnoticed and her teammates fully understand the impact she has on the team both on and off the hardwood.
"It's amazing," junior guard Sophie Cunningham said of Frericks' return. "Not even just her play on the basketball court, but her leadership. Everyone looks up to Jordan. And she's just a strong body inside, she's a beast and everyone in the country knows it. It's nice to have our little duo back together."
Mizzou concluded exhibition play with a pair of convincing wins, aided in part by Frericks' 22 combined points on 62.5 percent shooting from the floor. The forward added 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots and a team-leading seven steals over the course of two games.
While acknowledging the importance of the early exhibition games, Frericks is looking forward to the challenge and excitement presented by regular season play.
"I think these exhibition games are good for us to get some nerves out and see what we can continue to improve," she said. "Just throughout the whole year we'll continue to improve, but I think we're ready for a good competition game."
The Tigers will tip off the regular season in Iowa City as they take on Western Kentucky to open the Hawkeye Challenge on Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
For all the latest on Mizzou Women's Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @MizzouWBB.