Missouri Game Notes
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Nov. 21, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After downing Creighton 93-77 in the season opener on Saturday, the Wildcats turn their attention to Big XII foe, Missouri as NU travels to Columbia for a 7 p.m. tip on Tuesday.
The Wildcats embark on their longest road stretch of the season, a three-game stint during which they face the Tigers, Illinois-Chicago (Nov. 26) and Valparaiso (Nov. 30) to round out November.
"We are excited to have the chance to play a team like Mizzou, head coach Beth Combs said. "They are athletic, well-coached and have a veteran group on the floor. It will be a great test for us as our first road game and we are looking forward to the challenge.
Recapping Creighton
Junior A.J. Glasauer (Freiburg, Germany/ Theodor-Heuss Gymnasium) poured in a game-and career-high 26 points, dished out six assists and pulled down four rebounds to lead the way for the 'Cats.
Fellow upperclassman Ifeoma Okonkwo (Klein Oak, Texas/Klein Oak) logged a game-high nine rebounds and contributed 22 points, slightly missing a double-double. Two other Wildcats also tallied double-figures. Sophomore Sara Stutz (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) and freshman Julie Bielawski (Rogers, Ark./Rogers) both recorded 10 points and four assists. Stutz added a game-high seven assists.
It was the first time since 1998 that the Wildcats scored 50 points in a half and eclipsed the 90-point plateau. The last time both happened was on Dec. 4, 1998 against Ohio.
Scouting Missouri
The Tigers are coming off a 70-67 road loss to Arkansas State on Friday, Nov. 22. Missouri's lone win this season was a 78-54 victory over Clemson at the WBCA Classic in Tempe, Ariz. The Tigers also lost to No. 18 Arizona State, 69-54 in the same tournament.
Returning for Mizzou
All five starters return from last season, including senior guard LaToya Bond, who is averaging 16.0 ppg and has 11 steals through three games. Senior center Christelle N'Garsanet, a 2004-05 honorable mention All-Big XII honoree, joins Bond in double-figure averages with 11.7 ppg and 7.0 rpg.
Series Information
Though it will be the first meeting between the two squads, NU holds an 8-8 record against Big XII opponents. The last time Northwestern faced a team from the Big XII was in 2001-02 when the Wildcats lost to then-No. 5 Iowa State, 71-61 in Evanston.
Selecting the Finish
Missouri was preseason picked to finish 10th in the strong conference. Northwestern was selected 11th in the Big Ten.