Women’s Basketball: A Historic Rivalry Rekindled with Kansas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mark your calendars! The much-anticipated clash between University of Missouri’s women’s basketball team and their arch-rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks, is set to ignite the court on November 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City, Mo. This showdown will not only be thrilling but marks the 82nd matchup in a storied rivalry steeped in tradition.
A Rivalry for the Ages
This game will be a pivotal moment as it signifies the first regular-season encounter since February 18, 2012, when the Tigers triumphed over the Jayhawks with a score of 70-65. Although the teams clashed in the second round of the 2023 Women’s National Invitation Tournament, this matchup holds a special place in the hearts of the fans.
Coach Kellie Harper’s Vision
Head coach Kellie Harper captures the essence of this rivalry perfectly, stating, "This is one of the fiercest rivalries college athletics has to offer. It is a great opportunity for our fans and our team." As the new head coach, Harper is passionate about preserving Mizzou’s rich traditions amidst the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. With a commendable coaching record of 393-260 and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, she brings a wealth of experience and a competitive spirit to the Tigers.
Meet the Stars: Players to Watch
On the court, all eyes will be on Grace Slaughter, the Tigers’ standout who enters her junior year with impressive credentials. The 2024-25 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and holder of a remarkable average of 15.0 points per game last season, she is poised to lead a revamped roster. Slaughter is not alone; the team has successfully recruited seven impactful transfers including:
- Chloe Sotell (Pepperdine)
- Jayla Smith (Purdue)
- Lisa Thompson (Rutgers)
- Sydney Mains (Florida Atlantic)
- Shannon Dowell (Illinois State)
- Jordana Reisma (Cleveland State)
- Saniah Tyler (Kentucky)
Kansas: A Worthy Opponent
The Jayhawks ended last season with a 16-14 overall record, including a 6-12 performance in conference play. Kansas will be spearheaded by dynamic junior guard S’Mya Nichols, who averaged 18.6 points last season, alongside senior guard Elle Evans, contributing 14.4 points. Their competitive edge makes this rivalry even more exhilarating!
Game Details
While specific details regarding the tip-off time, television broadcasts, and ticket information are yet to be announced, anticipation is building for what promises to be a nail-biting contest.
Get Your Tickets!
Don’t miss out on all the action! Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are now available for purchase, starting at just $65. Current ticket holders can easily renew via their Mizzou Tigers ticket account.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on Mizzou Women’s Basketball, visit MUTigers.com. Keep up with the Tigers on social media for real-time news and highlights by following them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Engage with the rivalries, witness the passion, and cheer for the Tigers as they prepare to etch their name in history once again. This game is more than just a matchup; it’s a celebration of tradition, competition, and sportsmanship in collegiate athletics!
