COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball topped SIU-Edwardsville, 72-60, on Wednesday night to kick-off a four-game homestand. Mizzou (7-3) capitalized on a strong second half and a dominant presence from the free throw line to down SIUE (2-6). The Tigers made at least 20 free throws for the fourth time this season.

Senior guard Sierra Michaelis (Mercer, Mo.) led the Mizzou offense, setting a new career high for 3-pointers in a game with six treys. She moved up to sixth place in program history for career 3-point field goals made with 136 trifectas. She posted a season-high 24 points to lead all scorers on Wednesday.

Sophomore Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) tallied 18 points and 13 rebounds for her fifth career double-double. She has recorded at least 10 points in 10 consecutive games to begin the season. Michaelis and Porter combined for a total of 42 points, the most by any Mizzou duo this season.

Michaelis set the tone early from the beyond the arc, draining three consecutive three-pointers to open the scoring for the Tigers. Mizzou jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead but SIUE put together a 7-0 run to close out the opening quarter and pull within four. The game remained tight as Mizzou sustained a 30-25 edge heading into halftime.

Mizzou clamped down defensively midway through the third quarter to pull away. During a stretch that lasted nearly six minutes of game clock, the Tigers held SIUE to just one field goal. Meanwhile, Mizzou shot 46 percent (6-for-13) in the quarter to grab a 53-40 lead going into the final frame.

The momentum kept rolling for Mizzou as it maintained at least a nine-point advantage for the remainder of the game.  Redshirt senior Lindsey Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) scored seven fourth-quarter points to cap a solid all-around performance. She pulled down her 10th rebound of the game in the final minute to seal her first career double-double as she chipped in 11 points in 36 minutes.

Redshirt freshman Hannah Schuchts (Tallahassee, Fla.) earned her first career start as a Tiger, posting three points and five rebounds on Wednesday. Redshirt senior Lianna Doty (St. Louis, Mo.) added nine points, six assists and four rebounds in a season-high 37 minutes.

Mizzou continues its homestand on Friday when the Tigers host Wichita State. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —