Hoopin’ and Hollerin: Home for the Holidays

Dec 15, 2024 | Uncategorized

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Missouri guard Nyah Wilson (8) drives past SMU guard Zanai Jones (1) in the first half of a game against SMU on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. | (Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation)

Mizzou hosts pair of non-con games before a 10-day break

Mizzou women’s basketball (9-3) has started its extended home streak with a bang, winning three-straight including a Power 5 battle against SMU. Now after a week off, the Tigers return to Mizzou Arena for a pair of games before another extended break for the holidays.

Here’s a look at what’s led to this recent success for coach Robin Pingeton’s team, along with previewing the two teams that lay ahead on the schedule.

Let it Fly

A common characteristic of Pingeton’s teams is the ability to shoot the long ball. This year’s team is no exception, ranking 6th in the nation at an even 40% through 12 games. This has allowed them to blow out teams, quickly piling up points in a hurry. A great example came during their last win against Northern Illinois, where the Tigers made 14-28 triples to blow the Huskies out of the water in a 94-55.

The Tigers have five rotation players that are currently shooting above 38%, four above 40% and two above 50%. Leading the team in makes is Abbey Schreacke with 33, serving as a major offensive weapon off the bench.


(CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
Missouri guard Abbey Schreacke (23) shoots a three in the first half of a game against Saint Louis on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at Mizzou Arena.

The unsung three-point weapon has been Grace Slaughter, shooting a team-high 57.8% on over three attempts per game. Her proficiency behind the arc is why she leads all Tiger scorers, falling below double-digits in only one game this season against Tulane.

Like how the three-pointer can help blow out teams, hopefully it can help them remain close in games against an ever-elite SEC lineup that is quickly approaching.

There are no Bisons in Nashville

The Lipscomb Bisons (6-3) are coming off a winning season, and are off to another fast start in 2024. After losing their opening game to Vanderbilt by 52, the squad bounced back with six straight wins, primarily against lower-level Tennessee foes. But that hot streak has hit a skid, dropping consecutive games to Chattanooga and Belmont.

The strength of this team is their ability to force turnovers, as opponents are clocking in at 16.7 per game, leading to 18.4 points for the Bisons. Another characteristic of Pingeton’s teams have been their inability to hold onto the ball, which could prove to be a major equalizer for Lipscomb.

The Bisons are led by their dynamic duo of seniors Claira McGowan and Bella Vinson, each averaging 12 points per game. Both are listed as guards that can crash the glass, so the Tigers will need to box out on the defensive end to prevent any second chances.

Mizzou should head into this matchup as a heavy favorite, but needs to do stay alert to avoid a team that has winning tendencies.

Traveling from Tulsa

The last game before the holidays for Mizzou is a showdown with the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (7-2). So far, the Golden Eagles have matched up against a pair of Power Five opponents, including a pair of road games and a big W against Arkansas.

That game was all about Oral Roberts’ offense, racking up 94 points against the Hogs. After taking a lead in the first half, the Eagles piled on with 52 points after halftime to pull off the upset by 21 points. A large part of that came from beyond-the-arc, with 10 triples including 5 in the first quarter.

Jalei Oglesby was a playmaker off the bench with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the win. Oglesby has been a force as a sixth woman, recording 16.7 points along with 6.3 rebounds on average across her nine games this season.

This matchup will no doubt test the Mizzou defense, one that has looked quite sharp all year. If the Tigers hope to avoid the upset, keeping Oral Roberts under 70 points is a must..

Player to Watch: Nyah Wilson

After a couple rough games to start the season, Nyah Wilson has looked more and more like the star point guard that Mizzou thought they were getting from New Mexico. After some early turnover struggles, Wilson’s ability to pass has been a difference maker. Over her last five games, Nyah is rocking with an 11:3 turnover ratio to serve as a real positive.

Now as a true starter, Wilson continues to work on the defensive end to dissuade opposing guards away from the hoop, which can be crucial against players like McGowan or Oglesby.

The Tigers match up against Lipscomb at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 in Mizzou Arena to build on a four-game win streak.

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