Cunningham, Tigers surprise Gamecocks
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Sophie Cunningham had every reason to believe No. 15 Missouri could knock off thirdranked and defending national champion South Carolina.
Her signature moment last season came when she hit a last-second shot in the Tigers' win over the Gamecocks. She was too much for South Carolina to handle again on Sunday, scoring 27 points to lead Missouri to an 83-74 victory.
"Our mentality going in was that we're winning this game," said Cunningham, who had seven assists and six rebounds. "Everyone from top to bottom knew we were going to."
Cunningham, who suffered a right knee sprain last week and sat out Missouri's loss to LSU on Thursday, returned with a knee brace but showed no ill effects.
The 6-foot-1 guard made 9 of 10 shots, including a scoop that she launched from below her waist and an overthe-shoulder prayer over 6-foot-5 A'ja Wilson. "They're going in, so I'm not going to complain," Cunningham said. Amber Smith had 20 points and 12 rebounds and Cierra Porter added 11 points for the Tigers (14-2, 2-1 Southeastern Conference). Tyasha Harris and Bianca Jackson each scored 14 for the Gamecocks (13-2, 2-1).
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley was ejected after drawing her second technical foul with 2:55 left and Missouri leading 69-60.
Staley was particularly upset that Wilson, the SEC's leading scorer, fouled out after just 19 minutes. Wilson finished with eight points, the first time she has scored fewer than 16 this season.
Staley said a player of Wilson's caliber ought to get the benefit of the doubt from officials.
"I've never seen anybody play half a game like A'ja Wilson played today," Staley said. "Never seen it."