Frank Tops 1,000-Career Points In Loss At 21 Georgia

ATHENS, GA. – The University of Missouri women’s basketball team couldn’t overcome a hot shooting Georgia team and dropped a 74-49 decision in Southeastern Conference action at Stegeman Coliseum Thursday. 

The No. 21/17 Lady Bulldogs (18-7, 7-6 SEC) snapped a three-game losing streak while handing the Tigers (16-10, 5-8 SEC) their fourth-straight defeat. 

Georgia ran off to a 7-0 lead and did not look book, taking advantage of a 3-for-13 start from the field for Mizzou. It was nearly a mirror image of the previous matchup at Mizzou Arena exactly a month ago where UGA started the game on a 16-5 run and led buzzer to buzzer. In both games, Georgia’s Jenna Staiti was the dominant force, scoring 22 points in each contest.

LaDazhia Williams, Hayley Frank and Jayla Kelly scored 10 points apiece and accounted for 30 of the Tigers 39 points in the game. Kelly’s career-best five rebounds led the way on the glass with izzy Higginbottom, Sara-Rose Smith and Williams each grabbing four. Higginbottom’s effort was a career best and she also accounted for seven points. Smith dished out a career-high four assists, also a team best. 

KAREER NIGHT FOR KELLY
Center Jayla Kelly reset most of her personal bests in Athens on Thursday, notching career highs in minutes played (19:14), field-goals made (5), field-goals attempted (9), rebounds (5), steals (3) and blocks (2) along with her first career double-digit scoring game – a 10-point affair for the sophomore.

HAYLEY FRANK 1K & MORE …
With the front end of two free throws in the first quarter, junior forward Hayley Frank became the 39th player in school history to eclipse 1,000-career points at Mizzou. Frank tied for the team lead with 10 points, her second-straight game in double figures, and 1,006 career points in her three-year career. She added three rebounds, two steals and an assist. 
 

There it is!

1,001 career points for @hayfrank43 – the 39th Tigers WBB player to hit the mark.#OurTownOurTeam???? pic.twitter.com/8rRvMCyA9Q

— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouWBB) February 18, 2022

QUOTING COACH P.
“We’ve really put our backs against the wall, but it’s not like we don’t have what we need in that locker room. We’ve got the talent. I believe in this team. I know they have what it takes. I know they have what it takes.” – Head Coach Robin Pingeton

UP NEXT
The Tigers return home on Sunday, Feb. 20, taking on Mississippi State at 2 p.m. CT inside Mizzou Arena. It’s senior day for Mizzou and LaDazhia Williams will be honored in a pregame ceremony. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early! Fans can purchase tickets online.

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).