Women’s Basketball Falls to Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –  University of Missouri Women’s Basketball rallied late, but was unable to overtake Arkansas falling, 75-68, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena.

Returning from injury, senior forward Hayley Frank led the Tigers with 22 points and added six rebounds to her effort. The Strafford, Missouri native now stands just 36 points from becoming the program’s fourth player to eclipse 2,000 career points.

Senior guard Mama Dembele chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Dembele moved into fourth on the program’s single-season assists list, as she passed Kerensa Barr (2002-03).

Sophomore guard Ashton Judd tallied 12 points and six rebounds. Judd extends her streak of scoring in double-figures to six games, a career-best mark.

Freshman guard Abbey Schreacke recorded nine points and dished a career-best six assists, while freshman guard Grace Slaughter notched 10 points and three rebounds.

Dembele kickstarted the Missouri offense from the opening tip as the point guard knocked down back-to-back triples that started a 7-0 run from the Tigers to take an early 15-6 advantage. Arkansas responded with a 7-0 charge to cut Mizzou’s lead to two. The teams began to trade baskets as the frame came to an end, however, the Tigers maintained a 25-23 lead. Dembele recorded eight points quarter while Schreacke tallied four of her assist total.

Early in the second, Arkansas claimed its first lead in the contest. Slaughter and Judd each made tough layups to halt the Razorbacks run. Midway through the period, Frank knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the Missouri deficit to 42-34. As the half came to a close Dembele converted a pair of free throw attempts to enter double-figures for a second consecutive game.

Trailing to begin the third quarter, Schreacke converted a 3-point play to help provide a quick spark to Mizzou’s offense. Despite the effort from the freshman, Arkansas’ lead continued to grow the Razorbacks closed the frame with a 64-44 advantage.

In the opening minutes of the fourth, Frank knocked down a triple to give Missouri’s offense momentum. The Tigers went on a 15-1 run and suddenly shrunk the deficit to 68-62 with three minutes remaining. Despite the late surge from Missouri, Arkansas was able to convert 5-of-6 free throw attempts late in the contest to secure the victory.

UP NEXT

Missouri will travel to face Florida at 5 p.m. CT on Thursday. The contest will be broadcast on SECN+.