Michaelis’ layup carries Mizzou over USF in NCAA tournament

Tallahassee, Fla.–This game was destined for overtime but Sierra Michaelis decided to intervene.

Michaelis shot the game-winning lay-up with 0.6 left on the game clock to give Missouri a 66-64 win.

After Lindsey Cunningham only made one of her two free throws late in the fourth, USF’s Kitija Laksa tied the game with a three-point with 3.3 left on the clock.

That set up Mizzou’s thrilling moment. On their last possession, Missouri forward Amber Smith missed her shot but Michaelis got the offensive rebound and converted on the game-winning putback.

The senior picked her team up in the fourth quarter of Missouri’s NCAA tournament opener against USF. Michaelis scored 13 points in Mizzou’s 66-64 win over USF in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. She scored 13 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter. Michaels scored 13 of Missouri’s 23 fourth quarter points.

Mizzou came out strong to start the game. MU opened up on a 9-0 run, capped off by a Michaelis three-pointer. But USF then outscored Missouri 38-16 for the remainder of the first half. The Bulls led 38-25 at halftime.

Missouri was much stronger in the third quarter. They outscored the Bulls 18-8 in the period. USF was 0-9 from the field to start the second half.

Lindsey Cunningham had 13 points while her sister Sophie finished with 12.

Cierra Porter fouled out with with 57.7 seconds left in the game. But she finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Mizzou has won NCAA Tournament games in consecutive years for the first time in program history.

The Tigers will take on the winner of 14-seeded Western Illinois vs. 3-seed Florida State.