The phrase “must-win game” may be overused just a smidge in sports, but for this game the usage was valid. The Missouri Tigers (14-8) took on the Vanderbilt Commodores (10-12) in the midst of a 6-game losing skid, needing a win to keep their tourney hopes even remotely alive.
Former SLU star Ciaja Harbison picked up right where she left off in the last game for the Commodores, getting Vandy’s first seven points in the game after scoring a gargantuan 41 in their previous tilt. Mizzou’s own star Hayley Frank was right there with her, picking up five points early as the two stayed tied 7-7 with about five minutes remaining in the first.