Hogs’ rally against Missouri falls short in regular-season finale, 73-67

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas had four players in double figures and mounted a furious comeback in the second half, but fell just short in a 73-67 loss to Missouri on Thursday.

Chelsea Dungee paced the Razorbacks (17-12, 6-9 SEC) with 25 points and was joined in double figure scoring by Malica Monk with 16 points, Alexis Tolefree with 14 points and Jailyn Mason with 10 points. Missouri (20-9, 9-6 SEC) also had four players in double figures on Thursday.

Alexis Tolefree sets to go up for a 3-pointer that was all net during the fourth quarter against Missouri on Thursday night. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

About the game

Both teams were cold to start the game, but the Tigers managed a 24-16 lead at the break holding Arkansas to 28.6% in the first 20 minutes.

The Razorbacks rallied with a big third quarter outscoring Missouri 25-13 and erasing an 11-point deficit to lead, 41-37, at the end of the frame.

Dungee dropped in 10 points as the Razorbacks went 5-for-5 from distance while holding the Tigers’ leading scorer without a point in the period.

Arkansas’ Jailyn Mason looks inside for a pass during the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s loss to Missouri. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

The Tigers got back to the line early in the final frame tying the game at 46-all with 7:35 to play. They went 26-for-27 from the line in the game while the Razorbacks made 12-of-12 bonus shots.

Arkansas kept the game close trailing by as little as four points five times, but they would never regain the lead.

Up Next

Arkansas wraps up the regular season with a trip to No. 17 Texas A&M on Sunday. It is the final game of the regular season before teams face off at the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, March 6-10.

The Razorbacks’ six conference wins has them in ninth place overall.

Arkansas’ Chelsea Dungee drives to put up a shot over Missouri’s Jordan Chavis during Thursday night’s loss. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

About Chelsea Dungee

• 26 of 29 games in double figures
• 15 games with 20+ points
• 9 consecutive double figure scoring games
• Scored 20+ points in 7 of last 9 games
• Averaging 24.5 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game and made 78-of-91 free throws in the last 10 games
• Led the team in scoring in 17 games
• Second game of the year playing 40 minutes
• She added her first five assist game and led the team with seven rebounds

Arkansas’ Malica Monk drives inside against Missouri’s Lauren Aldridge in the first half Thursday night. PHOTO BY ANDY HODGES | HITTHATLINE.COM

Notes

• Arkansas Starters: Alexis Tolefree, Malica Monk, Kiara Williams, Jailyn Mason, Chelsea Dungee

• Arkansas finished the first half 0-for-10 and trailed, 24-16, at the break.

• Arkansas forced 12 Missouri turnovers in the first half. The Tigers had 21 turnovers in the game.

• The Razorbacks committed a season-low four turnovers and had single digit miscues for the 10th time this season.

• Arkansas hit 11 3-point field goals, making double digit baskets from distance for the ninth time this year.

• The Razorbacks had a season-low 23 rebounds.

• Malica Monk scored 16 points and was in double figures for the 21st time this season and 64th time in her career. She had five assists for the third time this year and the 22nd time in her career.

• Alexis Tolefree’s 14 points is her 15th double figure game of the year and her third in a row.

• Jailyn Mason has scored in double figures in nine games this year, 38 games for her career and in two consecutive games.