Tigers fall to Colorado at home
The Tigers are at 1-4 in conference and face a tough schedule ahead.
Published Jan. 26, 2009
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Colorado's Brittany Spears rises for a lay-up as sophomore forward Shakara Jones attempts a block during Saturday's game at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers fell to Colorado 61-56.
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Freshman forward Christine Flores puts up a shot over Colorado's Courtney Dunn.
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Sophomore guard ReaShara Brown drives past Colorado's Kara Richards. With the loss, MU fell to 10-8 on the season.
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After entering conference play on an eight-game winning streak, Missouri has struggled in the Big 12, dropping to 1-4 after a 61-56 loss to Colorado at home.
In conference play, the Tigers' only win came against Nebraska, which is also at 1-4 in Big 12 play. Missouri is in a four-way tie for last place in the Big 12, with Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado.
"You are playing some of the top teams in the country," coach Cindy Stein said. "I think the main thing with our team is that we do have to work with them and teach them how to win the big game."
Sophomore point guard RaeShara Brown, who led the Tigers with 17 points in their loss to Colorado, said she couldn't find any specific point in the season when the Tigers began to struggle.
"I think right now we are trying to find ourselves as a whole," Brown said.
In particular, Missouri has struggled in the past two games in its shooting percentage. In their losses to Colorado and Iowa State, the Tigers have shot a combined 37 for 120 (30.8 percent) from the field, well below their season average of 39 percent."
Stein said the team had opportunities for shots but failed to make them.
"It'd be one thing if we couldn't get a shot off because then I'd be worried about our offense," Stein said.
Senior guard Alyssa Hollins has struggled in conference play.
Hollins, who averaged 13.7 points in non-conference play, has been held to 10 points per game in Big 12 play and has shot a combined five for 22 in her last two games, both losses. Hollins is the only senior on the team.
"I think it's in her head, and I think it's been in her head," Stein said about Hollins' shooting troubles.
After defeating Missouri, Colorado coach Kathy McConnell-Miller said the Tigers are a deeper team than last year.
"I will guarantee you that Colorado did not come in here with nothing but respect for this team and knowing that anyone can beat anyone on a given night," she said.
The Tigers' schedule does not get any easier. They spend six of their next 11 games on the road, including trips to Oklahoma (15-2) and Kansas State (17-1).
"I think every game is one you have to have," Stein said. "You've just got to get your team on a roll. We're in a position where we've got to fight a little bit harder. We've got young kids and we've got to continue to get them a little more seasoned."
