The Missouri Tigers had a rough start to SEC play, falling to the defending national champions and second-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, 83-52. The game highlighted South Carolina’s dominance across most statistical categories, with the exception of fouls and steals, where Missouri managed marginal wins.
Key Observations:
1. South Carolina’s Dominance:
The Gamecocks outshot Missouri significantly, hitting 47.4% from the field compared to Mizzou’s 31.6%.
They controlled the boards with a 48-27 rebounding edge and dominated the paint with a 40-25 scoring advantage.
South Carolina’s bench contributed an impressive 57 points, nearly outscoring Missouri’s entire team.
2. Missouri’s Struggles:
Shooting inefficiency was a major issue, particularly around the rim, where the Tigers made only 34.4% of their layup attempts.
Foul trouble in the post hampered Missouri’s ability to defend effectively and maintain a consistent rotation, leading to significant mismatches and transition opportunities for South Carolina.
3. Bright Spots for Missouri:
Ashton Judd led the Tigers with 15 points and showed resilience despite the tough matchup.
Missouri managed a brief 8-0 run in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to two points at one stage, showcasing potential in their guard-heavy lineup.
4. Turning Points:
South Carolina’s ability to respond with their own runs after Missouri’s brief surges, such as their 9-0 streak in the second quarter, consistently stifled the Tigers’ momentum.
The third quarter was a breaking point, with the Gamecocks outscoring Missouri 23-11, turning a manageable deficit into an insurmountable one.
5. Coaching Notes:
Coach Robin Pingeton acknowledged the challenges posed by South Carolina’s depth and talent, emphasizing the need to limit fouls and improve transition defense.
Pingeton praised her team’s competitive spirit but noted lapses in execution, particularly in finishing plays and defensive positioning.
Outlook:
Missouri (11-5, 0-1 SEC) faces another tough test against No. 19 Alabama on Sunday. To remain competitive, the Tigers will need to:
Address their shooting inefficiencies, particularly on layups.
Stay out of foul trouble, especially in the post.
Capitalize on defensive stops and transition opportunities.
For South Carolina, the win solidifies their position as a top contender in the SEC, showcasing their depth, physicality, and ability to impose their style of play on opponents.
