HIGHLIGHTS: Missouri moves on in the WNIT defeating Illinois State 61 to 51

MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers (19-14) moved one step closer to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) title game on Tuesday night, emerging victorious over the Illinois State Redbirds (21-12) with a 61-51 victory.

In a hard-fought contest, the Missouri Tigers displayed their prowess late in the game, outscoring their opponents 23-14 in the fourth quarter to pull away with the win. The Tigers were led by guard Amber Smith’s 15 points and forward Lauren Aldridge’s 10 rebounds.

The Tigers’ defense was stout throughout the game, forcing the Redbirds into a plethora of difficult shots and limiting their offensive production. The Redbirds shot just 33% from the field, and were held to a meager 22.2% from 3-point range.

The Redbirds were paced by forward Maddie Welter’s 14 points, but it was not enough to overcome Missouri’s late surge. The Tigers were able to capitalize on the Redbirds’ offensive struggles, scoring 24 points off Illinois State’s 17 turnovers.

With the win, the Tigers move on to the WNIT quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the South Dakota State-Creighton matchup.

The game marks Missouri’s third consecutive victory and fourth in five games overall. The Tigers will look to continue their winning ways as they take on their next opponent in the WNIT quarterfinals.

HIGHLIGHTS: Missouri moves on in the WNIT, defeating Illinois State 61-51. The Tigers were led by guard Amber Smith’s 15 points and forward Lauren Aldridge’s 10 rebounds, while forcing the Redbirds into difficult shots and limiting their offensive production. The Tigers scored 24 points off Illinois State’s 17 turnovers on their way to the WNIT quarterfinals.