Missouri women’s basketball faced a tough challenge against Kentucky in the first-ever game between the two teams at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Despite a close battle, Missouri came up short, losing 76-71.
Kentucky took a 38-32 lead into halftime as Missouri struggled with three-point shooting, making only 1 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc in the second quarter. The Tigers, known for generating much of their offense from long-range shots, faced difficulties as they shot only 27% from three against the Wildcats.
In the second half, Missouri made efforts to cut the deficit, narrowing it to 44-41 with 4:56 left in the third quarter. However, Kentucky responded with scoring spurts, including an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter that extended their lead to 63-52 with 7:42 remaining.
Despite the challenges, Missouri fought back, with Hayley Frank scoring 10 of her game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter. Frank’s and-one play with 1:15 left tied the game at 71. However, Kentucky secured the victory by converting three of their four free throws in the closing seconds.
Foul trouble became an issue for the Tigers, with four players fouling out: Frank, Ashton Judd, Hannah Linthacum, and Abby Feit. The foul disparity was evident at the free-throw line, where Kentucky attempted 24 shots compared to Missouri’s 14.
Hayley Frank and Grace Slaughter were the only Tigers to score in double figures. Ashton Judd contributed nine points and 10 rebounds, while Mama Dembele added nine points and 10 assists. Dembele is now three assists away from surpassing Sophie Cunningham for fourth on the program’s all-time assist leaderboard, and Frank is 23 points away from fourth on the all-time scoring list.
Missouri coach Robin Pingeton expressed pride in the team’s effort, acknowledging the challenges and emphasizing the need to keep working. The Tigers will return home to face Texas A&M on Thursday at Mizzou Arena.
