The University of Missouri women’s basketball team survived 11 made three-point shots by the visiting Western Illinois Leathernecks, claiming a 71-68 win on Tuesday night at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
Sophomore Cierra Porter had one of her finest games as a Tiger, setting career highs with 15 rebounds and five blocks, while adding 13 points. Sophomore Sophie Cunningham added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for MU, while freshman Jordan Chavis contributed 11 points.
The game was tied at 68 with 77 seconds remaining in the final quarter, when Cunningham hit a pair of free throws to send Missouri to the lead for good. Â On defense, point guard Lianna Doty forced a turnover to keep the lead with the Tigers, as the senior from St. Louis “filled the stat sheet” with seven assists, five rebounds, and five steals. Â
After a Cunningham free throw pushed the Tiger lead to 3, one last defensive stop sealed the deal for Mizzou’s fifth victory of the season (against two losses).
In 29 minutes of play, Mercer native Sierra Michaelis had a nine-point, two-assist night in a starting role for MU.
Mizzou will host Missouri State on Friday night at Mizzou Arena. Â Tip is set for 7 PM on SEC Network Plus.
Photo credit – MUTigers.com
