Mizzou Tigers women’s basketball defeated by Tennessee in SEC tourney
The Missouri Tigers started strong, but fell to the Tennessee Volunteers 64-51 in the second round of the women’s SEC Tournament on Thursday.
No. 11-seeded Mizzou led by as much as 13 points midway through the second quarter. The No. 6 Vols battled back by halftime, but the Tigers still led 34-26 by halftime.
Tennessee made its decisive run in the second half with a 15-0 run that turned a five-point deficit into a 10-point lead. The Tigers (9-22, 5-11 SEC) couldn’t overcome the Vols from there, losing at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Aijha Blackwell led the Tigers with 13 points and nine rebounds, but it was a rough night for the freshman. She made 3 of 17 shots from the floor. MU forward Hannah Schuchts had 11 points. Mizzou overall had an inefficient night, finishing at 29.1% on field goals.
The Tigers defeated Mississippi 64-53 in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday.
It was a long season for Mizzou coach Robin Pingeton’s squad. The Tigers were in a rebounding year after graduating Sophie Cunningham, Mizzou’s all-time leading scorer.
But looking forward, there are building blocks, including Blackwell and fellow rookie Hayley Frank, both of whom were selected to the All-SEC freshman team.