Tigers fall 100-59 in worst defensive performance of the year
Robin Pingeton’s final home game appeared to serve as a metaphor for the last five years of Mizzou Women’s Basketball (14-17, 3-13 SEC). A plethora of Tiger turnovers allowed Vanderbilt (21-9, 8-8 SEC) to run away in a hurry, winning this one 100-59.
Vanderbilt started the game with their foot on the gas, with a 12-5 lead at the first media break after a complete defensive effort. The Commodores kept pushing and pushing, building a 15-point lead near the end of the quarter.
The Tigers responded with a run of its own, scoring 13 unanswered to cut the deficit to 23-21 early in the second quarter. An Ashton Judd three to cut the game to one score was enough to finally force a Vanderbilt timeout.
(Cal Tobias/Rock M)
Vandy responded with a big run, closing the half on a 21-5 run, burying the Tigers by 18. The visiting defense was too much for Mizzou to handle. Fifteen Tiger turnovers led directly to 22 points for Vanderbilt. Mikayla Blakes showed why she’s likely the Freshman of the Year with 16 first half points. She was the leading scorer for both teams this game with 29.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Vanderbilt extended their lead to 32 at the media timeout. Mizzou continued to throw away possessions with seven more turnovers in the third quarter. The Commodores stretched the lead with an efficient 5-7 on threes during the quarter.
The fourth and final quarter was just a formality, as Vanderbilt walked away with a 41-point win in a muted Mizzou Arena. This was the largest margin of deficit for the Tigers since a 44-point road loss to No. 1 Baylor on January 4, 2012.
Vandy’s 100 points was the most allowed by Mizzou in a game this season. This is the first time that Mizzou has allowed triple digit scoring in the Pingeton era.
Pingeton got on the mic to address the crowd after the final buzzer, putting a cap on her 15 years inside this building.
“I appreciate all you guys have done. I would say I’m going to forget some people, but Tiger Impact and this community has meant so much to our family. We’ve been so blessed to be a part of your village, and you guys have wrapped your arms around us and forever grateful we’ve created a lot of great memories together,” Pingeton said.
As the final home game of the year it served as senior night for four Missouri players; Angie Ngalakulondi, Laniah Randle, De’Myla Brown and Nyah Wilson.
(Cal Tobias/Rock M)
All four entered the program as transfers, only spending 1-2 years within the program. All four players saw the starting lineup, including Brown’s first ever start at Mizzou.
With the regular season complete, the SEC Tournament seedings has been determined. The Tigers are locked in as the No. 15 seed and will take on No. 10 Mississippi State (20-10, 7-9 SEC) at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 on SEC Network.
(Cal Tobias/Rock M)