MORAGA, Calif. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball (7-0) shot 51 percent from the field and drained a season-high 14 shots from 3-point range to earn a 95-78 victory over host Saint Mary’s (5-1) on Saturday at the McKeon Pavilion. The Tigers earned the championship at the Hilton Concord Thanksgiving Classic as the only team in the 4-team field to win both games over the weekend.
“This was a big win,” head coach Robin Pingeton said. “Our ball movement was so good today and we shot the ball really well. Saint Mary’s has a nice team, and this was just a great team win.”
Jordan Frericks (Quincy, Ill.) was named Tournament MVP after scoring 18 points in both games of the classic along with a total of 14 rebounds. Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) also earned All-Tournament Team honors after scoring 30 points and grabbing 15 rebounds over the last two days.
The Tigers registered a season-high scoring total and set new high mark with 28 assists. The 28 assists are the most since registering the same total in a record-setting 126-55 victory vs. Bradley on Dec. 8, 2013. Mizzou also tied a season-best with 50 points in the first half, including 15 assists and 10 triples.
Mizzou never trailed after the 5:07 mark in the first quarter. Frericks finished with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Sierra Michaelis (Mercer, Mo.) also scored 18 points, including four baskets from long range. She also grabbed five rebounds and made two steals. Cierra Porter finished with 14 points and six boards.
For the game, Mizzou shot 51 percent (37-for-73) from the floor, 39 percent (14-for-36) from 3-point range and 64 percent (7-for-11) from the foul line. The Tigers held a 28-18 advantage in the paint, 18-10 lead in points off of turnovers and a 9-3 mark in fast break points.
Saint Mary’ shot 44 percent (23-for-52) from the field, 47 percent (8-for-17) from 3-point range and 73 percent (24-for-33) from the free throw line. The Gaels were led by Lauren Nicholson, who scored a game-high 24 points.
Mizzou returns home to Mizzou Arena for a 7 p.m. CT tipoff on Dec. 2 vs. Southeast Missouri.
— Mizzou Athletics —