COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball (19-8, 8-5 SEC) fell just short against the Tennessee (17-8, 6-6 SEC) on Sunday at Mizzou Arena, falling 62-60. In front of a season-high 8,559 fans, Mizzou and Tennessee had a back-and-forth battle for the full 40 minutes, as both squads shot close to 40 percent from the field, but the Lady Vols pulled out the victory with a pair of free throws with 52 seconds remaining in the game.
Senior forward Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) scored 13 points and shot a remarkable 86 percent from the field (6-for-7) while snagging nine rebounds to lead the Tigers’ offensive effort. Senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) and junior guard Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.) poured in 13 and 14 points, respectively.
TURNING POINT
With 52 seconds remaining in the game, Mizzou and Tennessee were tied 60-60. Tennessee sophomore Rennia Davis was fouled by Porter on a shooting attempt within the restricted area and headed to the line for a pair of free throws. Davis sunk both shots from the charity stripe free throws to give the Lady Vols a two-point lead. The two made free throws ended up being the game-winning points, as the Tigers were unable to score in the contest’s final seconds.
TOP TIGERS
- Porter filled the stat sheet, finishing with 13 points, a season-high nine rebounds and four assists, along with a block and a steal. Porter has now scored in double-digits three times this season.
- Smith also turned in an impressive performance with 14 points and five rebounds in 28 minutes of action. The junior guard has scored in double-digits in six of the Tigers’ last eight contests.
- Following her dominant 24-point performance against Mississippi State on Thursday, Cunningham turned in another double-digit scoring effort on Sunday. The senior guard contributed 13 points, four rebounds and a pair of assists.
NOTES
- This home contest was one of the Tigers’ most neck-and-neck games of the season, as the two team’s combined for 17 lead changes and nine ties game.
- With an attendance of 8,559, Sunday’s crowd was a season-high and the fifth-largest in program history.
- After shooting 41.8 percent from the field (23-for-55), Mizzou has now shot 40 percent or better from the field in 13 of its last 15 games.
- Mizzou forced 10 Tennessee turnovers, marking the 20th time in 27 games Mizzou has forced at least 10 turnovers.
- Porter produced season-highs in rebounds (nine) and assists (four) in the game.
UP NEXT
Next, Mizzou travels to Auburn, Ala. next Sunday to face Auburn on Feb. 24. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.
— Mizzou Athletics —