SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State women’s basketball fell in its season opener, 68-51, to in-state rival Missouri here Monday night.
The Lady Bears jumped out to an early lead courtesy of a 6-0 run highlighted by a Paige Rocca three-pointer. Transfer Aniya Thomas then connected on four free throws to give the home squad an early five-point advantage. However, the Tigers had an answer, as they reeled off a 17-0 offensive surge that extended into the second quarter.
Newcomer Kennedy Taylor scored a layup to give MSU its first bucket of the second period, cutting the deficit back to 10 points. Shortly after, Capria Brown and Indya Green scored six consecutive points to bring the Lady Bears back within seven points of the Tigers.
Again, Missouri had an answer and ended the half with seven straight points to take a 31-17 lead into the half. Brown, Thomas and Taylor were MSU’s leading scorers in the first half with four points each.
Missouri State continued to battle back, cutting the deficit to 13 points near the halfway point of the third quarter after back-to-back field goals from freshman Jade Masogayo. Then, a couple of 6-0 spurts to end the third period gave the visitors their largest lead of the night heading to the final 10 minutes in Springfield.
The Lady Bears put together their best offensive quarter of the night in the fourth, outscoring Mizzou 22-17. Sophomore Taylor Woodhouse was a bright spot in the final period scoring the first points of her Lady Bear career and leading MSU in the closing quarter with seven points on 3-for-3 shooting from the field. Fellow second-year player Isabelle Delarue followed with six points, going 2-for-2 from the field and at the charity stripe.
However, Missouri State was unable to get within striking distance as time wound down, ultimately falling in the season opener, 68-51.
Brown led the Lady Bears on the night with nine points, while freshman Jaiden Bryant collected a team-high eight rebounds and two steals. MSU held the Tigers to just one made three-point field goal on the night and forced 18 Missouri turnovers. The Lady Bears also won the rebounding battle, 39-37, including an 18-7 advantage on the offensive glass.
Missouri State will be back in action on Tuesday, November 15 as they face Saint Louis at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield. First tip is set for 6 p.m.
