Mizzou women’s basketball scores season high in blowout win over Arkansas State

The Mizzou offense has taken its first step to unlocking its elite potential. After scoring 78 and 77 in their first two games, the Tigers defeated Arkansas State 97-75 for a new high in points under Kellie Harper. This is also the first time that the game has not gone down to the wire in this new season.

“I’m really happy, really pleased with our team,” Harper said. “We had a lot of people do some good things tonight. I love the growth. [Our] staff has been great to push them.”

The Tigers opened the floodgates with 37-made shots on 56% from the field. The majority of those shots came close to the basket as Mizzou scored 52 paint points in the victory. Another major contributor to the offensive output was an efficient 9-19 on three-pointers. Six of those makes came in the first half alone. In addition to the balance when it comes to where Mizzou scored, but also who was scoring. The Tigers finished with five separate players with double-digit points.

“We’re at our best when everybody is producing, when everybody is giving something,” Harper said. “We need everybody trying to bring as much as they can possibly bring. I think we’ve done a pretty good job offensively sharing the basketball, but also putting them in a position to be successful.”

After a back-and-forth start, Mizzou took a 30-14 lead in the second quarter thanks to a 17-0 run. Nine of those points came directly off of Abbey Schreacke triples. Schreacke ended the game with 14 points after shooting 4-10 on three point attempts. This season Schreacke has taken 23 shots; a whopping 21 of them have been threes.

“I think it’s just the most efficient shot for me, and that’s where my teammates can find me the most,” Schreacke said. “Any shot that is the best shot for the team, that’s just what I’m gonna what I’m gonna take.”

The Tigers entered the locker room at halftime with a 42-25 lead. The defense was forcing the Red Wolves into difficult situations as they shot just 29% from the field and turned the ball over 15 times; which directly led to 11 Tiger points.

Jayla Smith was the head of that defensive effort, collecting three steals and three blocks in the first half alone. She finished the game with SIX blocks and four steals in the win.

“[It is] something I want to keep building on, just my defensive intensity games,” Smith said.

Grace Slaughter led the offensive output early with 16 points on 7-11 shooting and a perfect 2-2 from three. She was Mizzou’s leading scorer for the second consecutive game with 23 points.

Mizzou led 75-54 after three quarters as each offense was humming coming out of halftime. The two teams combined for 62 points while shooting 60% from the field. Well that second part was mostly Mizzou, as they shot 75% thanks to breaking the Arkansas State press and finding easy layups. Jordana Reisma was the main beneficiary with eight points in the quarter. Reisma recorded her second double-double in three games with 22 points and 15 rebounds.

From there the fourth quarter was elementary, as the Mizzou offense kept Arkansas State at bay for the 22-point win. The majority of points came from Reisma and Smith, who combined for 18.

In the home opener, Mizzou won by getting to the line. The Tigers finished the win against Central Arkansas 33-45 from the free throw line. This game was a little different, as Mizzou only shot 16 FTs. In fact, the team did not shoot its first free throws until the second half.

One weak spot for the team came in the turnover department, as the Red Wolves forced 24 which led to 22 points. However, a big reason for that is the way which Arkansas State plays with its full-court press. But Harper still recognizes the room for improvement, especially when it comes to the offensive fouls.

“It’s the ones that we can control a little bit better. We’ve got to clean those up,” Harper said.

Mizzou now looks ahead to its first matchup against a fellow Power 4 opponent in the rivalry showdown with kU in Kansas City from the T-Mobile Center on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+ through the ESPN app.