University of Missouri
7-2, 0-0
UMKC
2-6, 0-0
No. 23 @MizzouWBB Powers Past UMKC, 66-59
12/6/2018 11:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Cunningham and Smith lead the way for Mizzou with a combined 43 points
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women's Basketball returned home to Mizzou Arena for the first time in two weeks and defeated UMKC, 66-59 on Thursday night. The Tigers held a slim four-point edge at the end of the first half, but outpaced the Roos 21-9 in the third quarter to build a 14-point lead that spurred Mizzou to the victory.
With the win, Mizzou has now won four consecutive games and improves to 7-2 on the season. Junior guard Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.) and senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) led the offensive effort for the Tigers, combining for 43 points on 55 percent shooting. Sophomore forward Emmanuelle Tahane (Bondy, France) added eight points and five rebounds, while freshman forward Grace Berg (Indianola, Iowa) scored six points in 15 minutes of action.
The Tigers staunch defense limited the Roos to 39.5 percent shooting from the field (17-for-43) and 29.4 percent from the three-point line (5-for-17). Mizzou capitalized with 21 points off of 18 UMKC turnovers, and also scored 12 fast break points in the up-and-down contest.
TURNING POINT
After a neck-and-neck first half, Mizzou came out of the locker room and began the second half on a 10-3 run in the first five minutes of the third period. Mizzou never looked back, building a double-digit lead that the team sustained for much of the remaining game. The Black & Gold offense shot an impressive 53.8 percent (7-for-13) from the field while limiting the Roos to 20.0 percent (2-for-10) shooting and forcing four turnovers in the third quarter.
TOP TIGERS
- With a team-high 24 points, Cunningham spearheaded the Tiger offense on 57.1 percent shooting from the field (8-for-14) and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.
- Smith was a reliable shooting and rebounding force for the Tigers, as she finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds to record her fifth double-double of the season and third in the last four games. Smith filled the entire stat sheet once again, as she recorded two assists, two steals and a block.
- Tahane's eight points and 27 minutes were both season- and career-high for the sophomore forward, while her five rebounds matched a career-high.
GAME NOTES
- With 19 points and 10 rebounds, Smith recorded her fifth double-double of the season and the seventh of her career. Over her last four contests, Smith is averaging 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds while registering three double-doubles.
- Mizzou's defense was a vital part of its victory once again, as the Tigers have now held their opponents to 65 points or less in eight of nine games this season. In Mizzou's seven victories, the Tigers have held their opponents to 53.7 points per game.
- The Tigers excelled from close-range all night, as they outscored the Roos, 36-16, in the paint.
- Tahane's made three-pointer with 2:12 left in the third period was the first of her career. In the game, Tahane set career highs in points (eight), minutes (27) and rebounds (five).
- Cunningham's 24 points was her third-highest point total of the season and her third game scoring 20 or more this year.
UP NEXT
Mizzou faces off against another in-state foe on Sunday when Mizzou travels east to take on Saint Louis. The Tigers and the Billikens will tipoff at 5 p.m. from Chaifetz Arena, with a live stream of the game available on ESPN +.
For all the latest on Mizzou Women's Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team @MizzouWBB (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
