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 Sports News Search Classifieds MU beats Texas for first time
January 7, 2001 
It was the first victory over Texas (13-3, 1-1 Big 12) after seven losses. The Tigers stayed close with the Longhorns in the first half and trailed 32-24 at the break. But then Missouri (10-3, 1-1) took control of the game, scoring 44 second-half points and forcing 11 Texas turnovers and 27 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes. Coach Cindy Stein could be seen pumping her fists in the air as her Tigers executed set plays to perfection, outrebounded the Longhorns 51-43 (the first time Texas was outrebounded since a Nov. 20 loss against then-No. 13 Virginia) and played with intensity. “It is important that every team always tries to set its own legacy and do something that no other team has done,” Stein said. “I think today was a perfect example. We asked them to beat Texas, to do something a Missouri team has never done. Our kids really responded at the half.” Texas, known as a defensive team, could not break out of its offensive funk early in the second half and was held scoreless in the final three minutes and shot 33 percent in the game. Missouri went on an 8-0 run in the first two minutes of the second half to tie the game at 32. The Tigers then went on another 8-0 run to take a 54-46 lead with 6:59 remaining. Forwards Amanda Lassiter (team-high 22 points, 10 rebounds) and Evan Unrau (18 points, team-high 13 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for Missouri. For Unrau, a 6-foot-1 freshman from Colorado, it was a drastic turnaround after scoring two points against Texas Tech. “I’m beginning to get a better feel for my teammates,” said Unrau, who set a new career-high in points. Added Stein, “She’s really learning how to play the game (at the collegiate level). Being able to handle the environment at Texas Tech made her a mature young lady, and it showed today.” Marlena Williams had a solid game with seven points and eight rebounds. But the foul-prone Missouri center’s most important statistics were her zero fouls and 34 minutes of playing time. Her defensive presence was key in holding Texas starting forward Tracy Cook scoreless with two rebounds. “Can’t believe Pep had no fouls,” said Lassiter, who had her fourth double-double of the season and scored 17 second-half points. “When she’s on the court, it’s hard for teams to guard both of us. I’m a threat on the outside, and she’s a threat on the inside.” The Longhorns’ weaknesses were exposed in the second half. Injuries to key substitutes have depleted the depth of Texas and its shooting woes in the month continued. “When you go 0-for-January, your players start to fret about it,” said legendary Texas coach Jody Conradt, who has 756 career wins. “ We got whipped today. Lassiter got on fire, and there was no way we could defend her shots.” Texas was led by guard Tai Dillard, who had a career-high 24 points, and forward Stacy Stephens’ 16 points and 16 rebounds. “This win builds a lot of momentum for the rest of the conference season,” said Missouri guard Karensa Barr.
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