Mizzou Women's Basketball Blown Out by No.1 South Carolina
Missouri women's basketball already trailed No. 1South Carolina by 27 at the end of the first half. It didn't take long for Dawn Staley's team to show why they're undefeated through the first 21 games. On Thursday, they earned their 22nd win and handed Missouri its fifth-straight loss in a 83-45 blowout.
South Carolina appeared to be bigger, faster and stronger for nearly all 40 minutes of play, always two steps ahead of Missouri mentally and physically.
The Gamecocks came into Thursday night's game leading the nation in blocks and they had no issue swatting down any efforts from the Missouri offense. In the first half alone, South Carolina blocked seven shots as the Tigers gave up 12 turnovers and shot 7-for-27 on field goals. Thursday was Missouri's lowest scoring performance so far this season.
Missouri also lost the battle on the glass, being out-rebounded 47-13 for the game. The Tigers simply were unable to find an answer for South Carolina's tall and physical lineup.
Not helping Missouri's hopes was the absence of graduate forward Hayley Frank for a second-straight game due to injury. The Tigers' leading scorer suffered an injury last week while practicing for Tennessee. Frank scored 16 in Missouri's first matchup with South Carolina on January 11.
Frank's absence was also felt defensively, where Missouri was unable to contain the third-best scoring team in the nation. In the two team's first matchups, junior guard Bree Hall sliced through the Missouri defense by scoring 21 points. This time, it was freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley. The Columbia, S.C. native scored 19 points, including six from outside the arc.
Thursday's loss illuminated many of the issues that have plagued Missouri all season — turnovers and a lack of experience. Frank's injury shortened an already wounded and young Missouri bench. Four freshmen saw over 10 minutes of playing time. Additionally, the first-half turnover woes continued for the Tigers as they ended the game with 21.
The loss against South Carolina continued Missouri's plummet near the bottom of the SEC. The Tigers will continue their season Sunday when they host Auburn at 1 p.m.
