Revenge is oh so sweet
Late into the third quarter, Mizzou Arena blared out “They Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. From the tipoff it became apparent to Mizzou women’s basketball fans that this year’s SLU team was really Not Like Us. The Tigers (4-2) controlled this one from the tip, blowing the Billikens (2-3) out of the water, 112-59. This was the first time the Tigers won by 50-plus since November 2015 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Mizzou jumped all over SLU early, holding a 17-4 lead at the first media timeout. Laniah Randle led the Mizzou offense with seven points in those first six minutes, highlighted by an energizing three-point-play.
The Tigers defense frustrated the Billikens early, keeping them away from any 3-point success. SLU finished the first quarter 0-7 from deep, resulting in a measly seven points. Defensively Mizzou has found success early and often, holding its opponents under 65 in every game thus far.
“I think it can be pretty disruptive and pretty fun when you’re that aggressive with it,” head coach Robin Pingeton said. “We put in a zone a couple days ago, so they haven’t had a lot of reps, and thought they executed it really, really well.”
(CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
The second quarter was more of the same, as the Tigers scored a whopping 32 points during those 10 minutes. It was a balanced effort among all players, with 13 seeing the court and 12 contributing to the scoring. Ashton Judd quietly racked up several buckets, finishing the half with 8 points including a pair of triples.
The separation only grew during the third, as the Tigers manifested a 28-10 run across those 10 minutes. Abbey Schreacke got back to her ways, with two more threes to put her into double figures. This brings Schreacke to 25 triples so far, on pace for just over 133 for the year—which would shatter the old program record of 112. While I know it’s too early in the season to record-watch, it just shows the remarkable level she is playing at.
“Obviously, I shot pretty well tonight, but I think it’s just because my teammates found me,” Schreacke said. “And I think just stepping into that rule, I’m just thankful that I have good teammates that were sharing the ball tonight.”
(CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
While Mizzou took their foot off the gas, they still managed to crack the century mark in a regular season game for the first time since February 2017 against Ole Miss. When it was all said and done, all 13 active players cracked the scoreboard. This included five in the fourth quarter from freshman Londyn Oliphant, scoring the first points in her college career. (she had 8 total.)
The Tigers won the turnover battle quite handedly, forcing 24 from SLU compared to only 10 of their own, with plenty of coming in garbage time. The point guard play of Tilda Sjökvist was exquisite, finishing with seven assists to zero turnovers. As a team the Tigers finished with 22 assists, the most in nearly a decade.
“Anytime a coach sees that kind of assist to turnover ratio, you’ve got to be pretty pleased,” Pingeton said. “I thought we passed up some good shots for great shots, and seemed like we’re a lot more willing to make that extra pass tonight, which I think is huge.”
Mizzou is continuing to find their groove on the boards, out-rebounding the Billikens 49-36 and have won the board battle by double-digits for the second straight game.
Pingeton’s squad is now riding a three-game winning streak, sitting a game above .500 for the first time this year. Next up is the field trip game against Little Rock (1-3) at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 at Mizzou Arena to close the two-game homestand.
(CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)