The Women’s Basketball team at the University of Missouri is preparing to compete against Florida in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. This highly anticipated game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday in Greenville, S.C., and will be broadcast live on SEC Network.
Despite a challenging 11-18 regular season, the Tigers are determined to succeed, led by standout players such as Hayley Frank and Mama Dembele. Frank, a preseason All-SEC First Team forward, has emerged as a top player, ranking seventh in the conference with an impressive 16.7 points per game. She recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth player in Missouri history to achieve 2,000 career points. Additionally, her free-throw percentage of 93.5% leads the SEC and places her fourth nationally, with high prospects of breaking the program’s all-time record.
Meanwhile, senior point guard Mama Dembele has established herself as a formidable force, leading the conference and ranking fifth nationally with 6.5 assists per game. She also ranks second in the SEC and seventh nationally with 3.3 steals, solidifying her status as a key player for the Tigers.
In addition, freshman guard Grace Slaughter has been an exciting addition to the team, ranking third among first-year players in the SEC with 11.4 points per game. The Tigers have demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, tying for second in the conference with a 35.5% 3-point percentage and ranking second in the SEC with an average of 8.2 makes per contest.
With a starting lineup consisting of two freshmen, a sophomore, and two seniors, Missouri boasts the youngest starting lineup in the SEC by academic year. Their youthful energy and talent have proven to be valuable assets throughout the season.
As they enter the tournament, Florida holds a 14-14 record, including a 5-11 mark against conference opponents. Under the leadership of coach Kelly Rae Finley, the Gators are seeking to make their mark in the tournament and improve upon their previous season’s performance. Notable offensive players like Aliyah Matharu, Leilani Correa, and Ra Shaya Kyle, all of whom average double-digit scoring numbers, present a challenge that the Tigers are prepared to take on.
In their historical series against the Gators, the Tigers hold an 11-4 advantage, with an overall conference tournament record of 44-33. However, it is worth noting that Florida secured a victory in their sole matchup this season with an 86-70 win in Gainesville on Feb. 22.
For fans eagerly awaiting updates on Missouri Women’s Basketball, they can stay tuned to MUTigers.com for the latest news and information. Real-time updates are also available on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The SEC tournament is poised to be an exciting showdown, with both teams aiming to make their mark. With star players showcasing their skills and thrilling matchups on the horizon, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness the exhilarating action unfold on the court.