University of Missouri
18-5 (6-4)
Florida
10-13 (2-8)
No. 15 @MizzouWBB Edges Florida, 66-64, Behind Porter’s 27 Points
2/5/2018 3:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Redshirt senior Jordan Frericks added 18 points
COLUMBIA, MO. - Mizzou Women's Basketball (18-5, 6-4) took down the Florida Gators, 66-64, in a narrow win on Monday evening at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers were spearheaded by their inside duo of senior forward Jordan Frericks (Quincy, Ill.) and junior forward Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.). Porter dominated the first half en route to a 27-point performance, matching her career-high. Porter excelled in all facets of the game as she matched season-highs in three pointers, assists and offensive rebounds.
Meanwhile, Frericks dropped 14 points in the second half to lead Mizzou to victory down the stretch. Overall, Porter and Frericks combined for 45 points, which were the most ever in a single game by the duo. With the victory, the Tigers stay undefeated in the all-time series against the Gators, improving to 7-0 vs. Florida.
Turning Point
With just over eight minutes remaining in the final quarter of action, the Gators were clinging to a 51-50 lead. With 8:03 minutes to go, Frericks responded to a Florida triple with a quick layup to give Mizzou a slim advantage. Following a subsequent trading of buckets and a pair of Gator free-throws, Frericks took matters into her own hands as she exploded for six unanswered points via a pair of layups and two free throws to give Mizzou a 60-55 lead with 5:23 remaining. The Tigers would not look back as they hung on to their lead for the remainder of the contest and outlasted a Florida buzzer-beater attempt to claim the victory over the Gators 66-64.
Game Notes
- With tonight's win, Mizzou records its seventh straight victory against the Florida Gators.
- Mizzou's strong defense out of the gate kept the Gators under 10 points in the first quarter, the ninth time this season the Tiger defense has done so.
- The Tigers have now recorded a higher shooting percentage than their opponent in 21 of their 23 games this season.
- Mizzou had three players score double digits for the first time since the Tigers defeated Arkansas on Jan. 21, during which they had five reach double figures.
- Monday marked the 18th time this season at least one Tiger player has scored 20 or more points in a game.
Top Tigers
- Porter tallied 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds and three assists, rounding out a solid performance on the night.
- Junior Cierra Porter tied her career high with 27 points, the most since scoring 27 vs. Auburn on Jan. 26, 2017.
- Porter's strong offensive effort out of the gate set a new career high for most points in a half, with 21.
- Porter's 11 field goals were her most this season, her previous high being the eight she made against Kansas State on Nov. 30.
- She also set a new career high in three pointers, with three on the night.
- Rounding out her season-best game, Porter tied her season highs for both offensive rebounds and assists, with eight and three, respectively.
- Redshirt senior Jordan Frericks dominated in the second half, recording 14 second-half points. This was her most since she recorded 19 in the second half against LSU on Jan. 4.
- Frericks also tied her season high with three steals.
- Monday marked the first time Frericks and Porter have combined for 45 points.
- Frericks scored 18 points, 14 in the second half, and tied a season high with three steals.
- Junior Sophie Cunningham added 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists. She has now reached double figures 20 times in 22 games this season.
Up Next
Mizzou wraps up a three-game homestand on Thursday when the Tigers take on Kentucky. Tip is set for 8 p.m. CT on the SEC Network. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS or online here.
