University of Missouri
1-0,0-0SEC
Central Arkansas
0-1,0-0ASUN
Kellie Harper Earns First Victory at Mizzou, Tigers Topple Central Arkansas
11/3/2025 9:41:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Mizzou women's basketball defeated Central Arkansas 78-71 in its season opener on Monday night at Mizzou Arena.
The game marked the first victory of the Kellie Harper era at Mizzou.
Junior guard Shannon Dowell led the way for the Tigers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Dowell is the first player to lead the team in scoring in their Missouri debut since Sophie Cunningham on Nov. 13, 2015. With 23 shots behind the charity stripe, she also attempted the most free throws in program history, besting Renee Kelly, who notched 21 against Colorado on Jan. 24, 1987.
Senior forward Jordana Reisma secured a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Junior guard Grace Slaughter recorded 12 points while adding eight rebounds.
A balanced attack guided the Tigers in the first quarter as six different players entered the scoring column. Dowell led the charge with seven points. The two teams exchanged points throughout the frame, with Dowell closing out the first quarter with a quick layup to tie the contest 18-18.
The Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 run early in the second quarter, headlined by guard Chloe Sotell, who sparked the run with a 3-pointer and a layup. Sotell recorded five of her eight points in the second frame as the Tigers took a 35-34 advantage into the break.
In the first three minutes of the third, junior guard Abbey Schreacke ignited an 11-4 run with a second-chance 3-pointer. Dowel contributed eight of her total in the frame as Mizzou maintained a 59-55 lead into the fourth.
Mizzou separated from the Sugar Bears with an 8-0 run in the heart of the fourth. Dowell converted four at the charity stripe in the run.
Leading by a basket and with time running out from the shot clock, redshirt-senior guard Jayla Smith rolled in a contested layup to give the Tigers a four-point lead and clinch the victory.
Mizzou's defense clamped down and held Central Arkansas without a field goal for the final two minutes of the contest.
The Tigers ended the game with 45 trips to the free-throw line.
All nine available players contributed in the scoring column during the contest.
UP NEXT
Mizzou will travel for the first time this season to face Tulane 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The contest will be livestreamed on ESPN+.
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