WACO, Texas – University of Missouri women’s basketball (8-1) fell to No. 5 Baylor (8-1) in a tight contest by a score of 70-68. The Tigers trailed by as many as 11 but outscored the Bears 41-34 in the second half.
Aijha Blackwell filled up the stat sheet once again with 20 points and 16 rebounds. In the first half alone, Blackwell had 11 points and nine boards. The Bears led by nine at the break after NaLyssa Smith scored on each of their final three possessions in the second quarter.
The Tigers slowly ate away at the Baylor lead in the third quarter, cutting it down to four by the end of the period. Haley Troup went on a 8-2 run by herself to start the fourth quarter, willing Mizzou to its first lead of the night at 60-57.
TURNING POINT
As NaLyssa Smith hit a layup to tie it at 60, Blackwell picked up her fourth foul of the night. A few possessions later, Blackwell was called for a charge while driving to the rim to end her night. Baylor completed a 12-0 run to put the score at 69-60 for the Bears. However, the Tigers were not finished.
Mizzou then went on a run of its own with a three from Lauren Hansen, a short jumper from LaDazhia Williams and then another Hansen three. The 8-0 run put the game at 69-68 with the Tigers trailing by just one.
Mizzou fouled Baylor twice and the Bears were only able to go 1-for-4 on their free throw attempts, but the Tigers’ final attempt did not go down.
NOTES
Blackwell’s double-double was her sixth of the season and her second 20-point, 15-rebound game.
Haley Troup finished the night with 16 points while Hansen added 10 to give the Tigers three players in double figures.
Troup also added six assists, one shy of her season and career high.
Ladazhia Williams matched her career high with five rebounds while adding six points.
Hayley Frank and Izzy Higginbottom each scored eight points in the loss.
UP NEXT
Mizzou returns to action next Friday at Missouri State. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+ in Springfield, Mo.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For all the latest on Mizzou Women’s Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team @MizzouWBB (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
