COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball (1-0) took down Murray State (1-1) in a hard-fought battle, 76-70, to begin the regular season on Thursday night. The Tigers move to 12-0 in season openers under head coach Robin Pingeton.
Murray State was stifled by Mizzou’s defense, as the Tigers forced 15 turnovers. Missouri held the Racers to only two second-chance points. The Tigers put up 40 points in the paint and another 22 points off turnovers to start the year.
Junior forward Aijha Blackwell paced the Tigers, going 7-of-11 from the field with 19 points, 15 boards, and two assists. Sophomore guard Mama Dembele set the tone with 13 points, four steals, three rebounds, two assists, and one block. Freshman Izzy Higginbottom drained three three-pointers in her Mizzou debut.
TURNING POINT
The Racers took a 65-63 with just under six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. After nearly four scoreless minutes, the momentum shifted back to the Tigers when Ladazhia Williams blocked a shot and Hayley Frank drained a three-pointer to put Mizzou up by one. Mama Dembele then took matters into her own hands, drawing a charge and then sinking a three to put Missouri up by four.
TOP TIGERS
Aijha Blackwell led the Tigers while capturing her 21st career double-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and two assists.
Sophomore guard Mama Dembele had a career-high 13 points with four steals. She drew a charge with less than a minute to go to help the Tigers close out the victory
Freshman guard Izzy Higginbottom made an impact in her debut, draining a trio of three pointers.
Sophomore guard Mama Dembele made a strong appearance with a variety of stats to pat her record, including a momentous block that resulted in Mizzou regaining the lead against Murray State.
Haley Troup had a productive night for the Tigers with 10 points and five assists.
NOTES
Mizzou is now 39-9 in season openers and 6-0 all-time against Murray State.
Four Mizzou players finished in double-digits: Blackwell (19), Frank (14), Dembele (13), and Troup (10).
Mizzou’s bench contributed 20 of the Tigers’ points, compared to only six for Murray State.
UP NEXT
Mizzou will stay at home to host Morgan State this Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. CT. This game is also set to air on the SEC Network+.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For all the latest on Mizzou Women’s Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team @MizzouWBB (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
