Missouri women down Texas State

University of Missouri's Alyssa Hollins, left, tries to get around Texas State's Brittany Wilson during the Tigers 70-61 win, on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Hollins scored 16 of her 18 points in the first half.   ¦  J.J. GILMORE/Missourian

The MU women’s basketball team built a 13-point second half lead and held off a late charge from Texas St. to beat the Bobcats, 70-61, at Mizzou Arena on Saturday.

The Tigers (4-3) were led by solid games from junior guard Alyssa Hollins, freshman forward Shakara Jones and sophomore forward Amanda Hanneman.

The trio attempted 51 of the team’s 66 shots and scored 51 of its 70 points. MU got no more than six points from any other player.

The team played without leading scorer Jessra Johnson who was attending her grandfather’s funeral.

The Tigers jumped out to a 13-4 lead to open the game, but Texas St. (4-3) answered with 14-4 run to take the lead. MU quickly got the lead back but wasn’t able to put the Bobcats away until the final minutes.

The Tigers will play again when they host the CenturyTel Tiger Tournament on Friday and Saturday. MU will tip off against Mississippi Valley at 5:00 Friday night in the opening round of the four-team tournament.