The Missouri women’s basketball team opened the Kellie Harper era with a 78-71 win over Central Arkansas on Monday night at Mizzou Arena. Junior guard Shannon Dowell powered the Tigers with 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut, becoming the first player to lead Mizzou in scoring in their first game since Sophie Cunningham in 2015. Dowell also set a school record with 23 free throw attempts. Senior Jordana Reisma added a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Grace Slaughter chipped in 12 points and eight boards.
Mizzou used key runs in the second and fourth quarters to pull away from the Sugar Bears, closing the game on a defensive stand that held Central Arkansas without a field goal over the final two minutes. All nine Tigers who suited up scored in the win. Missouri now hits the road for its first trip of the season, visiting Tulane on Thursday night.
