Sierra Michaelis from Mercer, Mo., led Mizzou in scoring (photo/Mizzou Athletics)

Sierra Michaelis from Mercer, Mo., led Mizzou in scoring (photo/Mizzou Athletics)

The Mizzou Women’s Basketball lived up to their reputation of playing tought defense, especially at home.  They held No. 1-ranked South Carolina  to their second-lowest point total of the season, but it wasn’t enough to top the Gamecocks.  The Tigers lost 60-49.

Sophomore guard Sierra Michaelis scored a career-high 22 points for the Tigers, who fall to 11-7 on the season and 1-4 in SEC play.

Mizzou’s defense only allowed South Carolina 25 first-half points, the fewest for the Gamecocks since the team scored just 17 against No. 9 Duke on Dec. 7. Mizzou held South Carolina to just 11-percent shooting from distance in the half.

Michaelis scored 17 of Mizzou’s 29 points after the break, and outscored the Gamecock offense by herself until the 10:29 mark on the second half clock. Michaelis scored nine consecutive points for the Tigers, but Mizzou could not keep up with the top-ranked team.

The Tigers head out on Sunday to face Arkansas in a 3 p.m. contest in Fayetteville.

Story courtesy, Mizzou Athletics