Bobcats fall to No. 24 Missouri
Texas State fell to No. 24 Missouri, 69-50, on Monday inside MIZZOU Arena in Columbia, Mo.
The Bobcats (4-5) couldn’t overcome a strong offensive performance from the Tigers (9-3), who shot 52 percent from the field and outscored Texas State in the paint, 36-14.
“We put in a game plan that we were comfortable with, but we did not execute the way we needed,” head coach Zenarae Antoine said in a statement. “We had great looks, especially behind the 3-point line but were unable to finish plays.”
Texas State saw itself tied with Missouri, 4-4, early in the first quarter. But the Tigers began to find their rhythm and took a 24-15 lead in the second quarter.
The Bobcats struggled in the final minutes of the second quarter. After freshman guard Ja’Kayla Bowie sank a jumper to cut the deficit to 31-24, Texas State didn’t score for the final 3:44. Missouri extended its lead during the Bobcats’ dry spell and took a 38-24 lead into the half.
Texas State’s shooting woes continued as the Bobcats didn’t score for the first 3:49 in the third quarter. Freshman forward Da’Nasia Hood made a layup to score Texas State’s first points of the second half.
Missouri held a double-digit lead throughout the rest of the game and secured the 69-50 win.
Texas State junior guard Brooke Holle led the Bobcat’s with 14 points and six rebounds. Bowie tallied nine points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Texas State finished the night shooting 37 percent from the field.
Missouri senior guard Sophie Cunningham recorded a game-high 20 points to lead the Tigers. She added four rebounds and three assists. Junior guard Amber Smith added 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Junior guard Jordan Roundtree amassed 10 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Texas State forced 20 turnovers but only scored 15 points off them, while Missouri racked up 17 turnovers and scored 25 points off the Bobcats’ mistakes.
Texas State returns to action in the 2018 Tulane Classic in New Orleans. The Bobcats begin tournament play against St. Mary’s on Friday at 1 p.m.
