MU women's basketball team wins opener

By JEREMY ANDERS Missourian

November 9, 2007 | 9:09 p.m. CST

Murray State guard Amber Guffey, left, and Missouri guard Toy Richbow chase a loose ball Friday night in the Tigers' season opener at Mizzou Arena. ¦ RYAN GLADSTONE/Missourian

COLUMBIA — One of the main questions about the Missouri women’s basketball team entering the season was how the Tigers would compete inside the lane.

Freshman Shakara Jones and sophomore Jessra Johnson’s play helped the Tigers dominate the paint in a 73-64 win over Murray State in the season opener on Friday at Mizzou Arena.

Jones and Johnson recorded a combined 48 points and added 22 rebounds to key an MU attack that outscored the Racers 44-28 around the basket.

The pair’s effort helped MU overcome a rough outing from junior Alyssa Hollins, who made just one of 10 shots in the first half.

The Tigers fell behind 24-16 early in the first half, but a 15-3 run put them ahead 31-27 at intermission.

Missouri never trailed in the second half.