With sophomore standout Sophie Cunningham on the bench for a second straight game with a back injury, Missouri needed continued solid play from its seniors on Friday night, looking to knock off upset-minded Wichita State.
Mercer native Sierra Michaelis provided the strong play for the Tigers, particularly on the defensive end, in providing the spark in a 64-57 victory, Mizzou’s 30th straight over non-conference competition in Columbia. Michaelis racked up a career-high nine steals in the victory. The nine swipes represented the most by any SEC players in a single game this season, and tied three other players for the most steals in NCAA Division 1 this season (in one game). Michaelis added 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists to fuel MU.
Trailing by one point (21-20) heading into the second half, the Tigers made six consecutive shots to start the third quarter, bursting out of the gates to an 11-0 run. Wichita State eventually battled back into a tie score with 5:19 to go in the fourth quarter, but a three-pointer by freshman Jordan Chavis gave the Tigers the lead with 4:42 remaining. Michaelis’ ninth steal of the night led to two made free throws by Lianna Doty shortly thereafter, and after WSU tied the game at 50, MU finished the contest on a 14-7 run.
Missouri’s victory improves the Tigers to 7-0 all-time against the Shockers. Mizzou’s next game is at home, against Tennessee-Martin, on Saturday morning (December 17th) at 11 o’clock.
Photo credit – MUTigers.com
