COLUMBIA, MO. – No. 24 Mizzou Women’s Basketball improved to 13-0 in exhibition games under head coach Robin Pingeton by defeating Central Missouri, 65-35, at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers’ gritty defense was on full display as Mizzou held UCM to just 17 percent shooting and forced 23 turnovers en route to a 30-point victory.
As a team, Mizzou dominated down low all game, outscoring the Jennies 28-8 in the paint. Mizzou also racked up seven blocks and 10 steals leading to eight fast break points.
Sophomore guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) finished the game with a team-high 21 points on 53 percent shooting (8-for-15). Last season’s SEC Freshman of the Year added a pair of assists and six rebounds in the warmup contest.
Senior guard Lindsey Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) led the team with seven rebounds during the exhibition. She also tallied 19 points, thanks to a remarkable 75 percent shooting night (6-for-8). Lindsey also played a big role on defense for Mizzou, contributing two blocks and three steals in 33 minutes of action.
Together, the Cunningham sisters accounted for 40 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Tigers.
Senior guard Sierra Michaelis (Mercer, Mo.) was the third Tiger to score in double digits. She collected 11 points on 50 percent shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 effort from the foul line. Michaelis drilled two three pointers on three attempts.
Mizzou received excellent defensive play from freshman guard Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.). Smith, who started the contest, led the team with three blocks. She also added two assists, four rebounds and two points.
After allowing an early three-pointer to start the game, Mizzou went on a 21-2 run to give the Tigers a 21-5 lead early in the second. Mizzou continued to build on that lead throughout the game, leading by as much as 34 points in the fourth quarter.
Mizzou will take the court once again for its second and final exhibition game of the season against Truman State on Monday, Nov. 7 at Mizzou Arena. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. and admission is free for all fans. The Tigers will begin regular season play Nov. 11 against Abilene Christian as a part of the Preseason WNIT.
— Mizzou Athletics —