The University of Missouri women’s basketball team is set to kick off its Southeastern Conference (SEC) season with a high-stakes match against the No. 2 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network. Missouri has had an impressive nonconference performance, finishing with a victory over Jackson State and matching last year's win total. Key players like Grace Slaughter and Laniah Randle have shone, while the team excels in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, South Carolina comes into the game with only one loss this season and boasts a formidable lineup led by Coach Dawn Staley.

Tigers' Stellar Nonconference Performance Sets Stage for SEC Play

The Missouri Tigers have demonstrated remarkable consistency during their nonconference schedule, culminating in a decisive win against Jackson State. This success has set a strong foundation as they prepare to face tougher competition within the SEC. Standout performances from sophomore guard Grace Slaughter, who matched her career-high with 22 points, and senior forward Laniah Randle, who surpassed the 1,000-point milestone, highlight the team's depth. Additionally, the bench contributions from De’Myla Brown have been instrumental, averaging 13 points over recent games. These achievements underscore the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.

Mizzou's overall offensive prowess is evident, particularly in their three-point shooting. The team leads the SEC and ranks seventh nationally with a 39.1% success rate. Sophomore guard Abbey Schreacke has been a key player, ranking second in the SEC and 14th nationally with 38 three-pointers this season. Her precision from beyond the arc complements the team's strategic approach. Furthermore, redshirt sophomore Averi Kroenke's impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.12 places her fourth in the SEC and 12th nationally. Off the court, the team also excelled academically, achieving a 3.35 GPA in the fall semester, with several players earning perfect scores. This balance between academic and athletic excellence positions Mizzou well for the upcoming SEC battles.

South Carolina Poses Significant Challenge for Mizzou

The matchup against South Carolina represents a significant test for the Missouri Tigers. The Gamecocks enter the contest with an impressive record of 12-1, having suffered their only loss to UCLA. As the defending national champions, South Carolina finished last season undefeated, showcasing their dominance. Missouri's last regular-season victory over South Carolina occurred on December 30, 2020, adding historical context to this encounter. With 17 years under Coach Dawn Staley's leadership and a record of 624 wins, the Gamecocks bring both experience and talent to the court.

South Carolina's roster features standout players such as Te-Hina Paopao, Joyce Edwards, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, each contributing significantly to the team's scoring. Paopao averages 11.4 points per game, while Edwards and Fulwiley add 11.0 and 10.1 points respectively. The teams have met 15 times previously, with South Carolina holding a slight edge at 11-4. However, since 2016-17, Missouri has managed to secure three victories over the Gamecocks, tying for the second most wins. The upcoming game will not only test the Tigers' resilience but also offer an opportunity to rewrite history. Fans can stay updated through MUTigers.com and social media platforms, ensuring they don't miss any action. Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are available starting at $49, providing supporters multiple ways to cheer for their team.