With four minutes to play in its game on Saturday, it looked like the Missouri women’s basketball team would blow a13-point lead to Nebraska for the second time this season.
But EeTisha Riddle wouldn’t let that happen.
The sophomore forward scored the Tigers’ last eight points in regulation and had three more in overtime as MU (10-16 , 4-11 Big 12) upset Nebraska 70-65 in Lincoln, Neb.
“(Riddle) really did her part,” coach Cindy Stein said. “She wanted the ball and she got it done.”
After leading 19-6 early in the first half, the Tigers slowly let Nebraska (16-11, 8-7) back in the game. The Huskers took their biggest lead, 56-50, at the four-minute mark of the second half. Then Riddle, who scored all 14 of her career-high points after halftime, took over.
She made a layup followed by a steal and another layup to cut the Nebraska lead to two. Then, Riddle hit a jump shot with 1:58 left to tie the game, drew an offensive foul on the other end, and gave the Tigers a 58-56 lead with another jumper with 32 seconds to play.
Two Nebraska free throws tied the game late, but MU took control in overtime. Sophomore guard Tiffany Brooks scored four straight points to give the Tigers a 62-59 lead, and Riddle made it 64-59 half a minute later. With 44 seconds left, Riddle made a free throw to make it 66-62 and then sealed the game with a block on defense.
All five Missouri starters scored in double figures, led by Brooks’ 18. That balanced effort won a game filled with 39 turnovers, 21 by MU, and 42 fouls.
“Our kids were fighting hard,” Stein said. “It was a really physical game and our execution was a little ugly, but to get a win on the road takes a total team effort and I think that’s what we had.”
Junior center Christelle N’Garsanet had 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Tigers, which Stein said is a result of practice.
The Tigers lost 81-74 on Jan. 8 to Nebraska in a game they led by 13 in the second half, but won their fifth straight game in Lincoln.