Missouri women score overtime basketball victory against Texas Tech

Senior forward Jessra Johnson scored a game-high 18 points.

By Emily Durfey

Published March 9, 2010

Before the final game of the season March 7, the Missouri women's basketball team honored seniors Amanda Hanneman, Jessra Johnson, Toy Richbow and Marissa Scott for their four years at Missouri.

Then the Tigers got down to business, winning 58-55 in overtime against Texas Tech at Mizzou Arena. Johnson led all scorers with 18 points and also recorded seven rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals. Sophomore forward Christine Flores scored 13 points by hitting 6-of-8 shots in only 15 minutes of action.

"Give them credit,” Texas Tech coach Kristy Curry said. “They fought hard and they ultimately won the game. I thought we missed tons of easy baskets, including a lot of layups."

During the first half, the Tigers got off to a slow start, allowing the Red Raiders to draw first blood and score the first four points of the game. After Missouri took an 11-8 lead early on, the Raiders responded by going on an 8-0 run and taking a 15-11 lead.

Missouri did not reclaim its lead until later in the half when Hanneman hit a 3-pointer to put the Tigers up 19-16. The two teams then traded baskets throughout the rest of the half, with Missouri going into the locker room at halftime with a 23-20 lead.

"We came up with loose balls, and we had two 3s that bounced in," junior guard RaeShara Brown said. "The ball was falling our way this time. We've worked so hard. The seniors deserved to win their last game. They invested so much time into this program, and we wanted to send them out with a win."

In the second half, Missouri came out strong, going on a 10-0 run and increasing its advantage to 10. But Texas Tech fought its way back into the game as the teams switched off scoring baskets, eventually tying the game at 39 with 5:10 remaining. The game went into overtime after the second half ended in a 47-47 tie.

"It's good to see them rise to the occasion," coach Cindy Stein said. "You always remember your last game as a player because of the support you get. I'm proud of their efforts today. I just wanted us to win. I didn't care how it happened."

In overtime, Missouri again came out strong by scoring the first four baskets of the game to take a 55-47 lead. Texas Tech remained in the game and came within one point of the Tigers with only 30 seconds left in the period. Richbow and Brown each hit one free throw to increase their lead to 58-56.

As the Red Raiders came down the court for one last chance, Johnson blocked senior guard Jordan Murphree on a 3-point attempt, and the Tigers won the game.

Afterward, Stein said she hoped the team could use this win in order to boost confidence going into the Big 12 Tournament. The Tigers will play their first game Thursday.

"Any win at this juncture is important," Stein said. "It gives us some hope. This team can be very good, and we hope we can prove it. A win shows we fought this through. I think any win heading into a tournament is significant."