Missouri women's basketball team rolls in season opener

Missouri senior forward Amanda Hanneman tries to go around Northern Iowa's Kim Wypiszynski on Sunday during the Tigers' regular season opener at Mizzou Arena.   ¦  LAURA HERRING/Missourian

COLUMBIA — Nothing came easy for the Missouri women’s basketball team last season. The Tigers struggled early on, losing four of their first five games.

Lucky for them, it’s a new season.

The Tigers blasted Northern Iowa 74-57 on Sunday night at Mizzou Arena in their regular season opener.

Cindy Stein said, “I’m very pleased with the first half. I’m pleased with the game, but especially the first half. I think that’s what we’re very capable of doing.”

Here are some interesting facts about Sunday night’s match-up.

• Senior Amanda Hanneman’s 26 points were a career high for a regular season game. Hanneman, whose previous career high was 18, hit six three-pointers. Coach Cindy Stein might have found the person to replace last year’s leading scorer, Alyssa Hollins, who graduated.

• The Tigers began the game on a 29-7 run. Hitting six three-pointers in the first half, the Tigers pounded the Panthers to a 41-16 lead at the break.

• The Panthers outscored the Tigers 39-33 in the second half.  Stein said, “I felt like we really relaxed (in the second half).”

• Missouri committed only six turnovers.  Meanwhile, they forced 20 turnovers. After losing point guard Bekah Mills to a torn ACL on the first day of practice, ball control has been a concern for the Tigers, especially after committing 19 turnovers in its exhibition game against Central Missouri. So far, so good.

• Nine Tigers scored points, including three in double figures. Depth could be a key aspect of this year’s Tigers team.

• Northern Iowa coach Tanya Warren was an assistant under Stein from 2001-2004. During Warren’s time in Columbia, she served as the recruiting coordinator for the program. After the game, Warren said Stein is one of her best friends and has been a “mentor” to her.

• Men’s basketball coach Mike Anderson attended Sunday’s game. Anderson, who could have left for more money after last season’s remarkable NCAA tournament run, continues to show his loyalty to Missouri.

• Northern Iowa was clearly outmatched by the Tigers.  The Panthers struggled last season, finishing 11-19.  Perhaps the Panthers could have used a pep talk from Northern Iowa alum and NFL star Kurt Warner.

What’s next?

The Tigers play at home at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday against Memphis at Mizzou Arena.