Missouri Tigers women’s basketball had its three-game win streak snapped Sunday in an 85–66 home loss to Georgia Bulldogs women’s basketball. The defeat dropped Mizzou to 16–10 overall and 4–7 in SEC play, wrapping up a favorable seven-game stretch in which the Tigers faced just one ranked opponent and went 4–3.
Now, the challenge ramps up. Four of Mizzou’s final five regular-season games come against ranked teams, beginning with coach Kellie Harper’s return to No. 22 Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball in Knoxville on Thursday. It will mark Harper’s first time coaching at Thompson-Boling Arena since leading the Lady Vols during the 2023–24 season.
NCAA Tournament Outlook
Despite their recent momentum, Mizzou remains outside the NCAA Tournament conversation. The Tigers sit at No. 71 in the NET Rankings, well behind bubble teams like Virginia Cavaliers women’s basketball (No. 36) and Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball (No. 45). Without multiple top-25 upsets down the stretch, an NCAA bid appears out of reach.
However, postseason play isn’t off the table. Mizzou could find itself in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), now in its third year and serving as the secondary national postseason event after replacing the WNIT. A WBIT berth would give the Tigers their first postseason appearance since 2022–23 and signal tangible progress under Harper’s first season at the helm.
Return to Rocky Top
Thursday’s matchup carries added intrigue as Harper faces her alma mater, where she won three national championships under legendary coach Pat Summitt. Although she later guided Tennessee for five seasons, she never advanced past the Sweet Sixteen.
Tennessee holds an 18–3 edge in the all-time series and enters the game ranked and projected as a No. 5 NCAA seed. Still, recent blowout losses to UConn Huskies women’s basketball and South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball have raised questions among fans about second-year head coach Kim Caldwell.
The Lady Vols remain loaded offensively, with four players averaging double figures. Junior standout Talaysia Cooper leads the way at 14.6 points per game and torched Mizzou for 27 points, seven rebounds, and six steals in last year’s meeting. Slowing Cooper will be central to the Tigers’ defensive strategy.
Player to Watch: Lisa Thompson
Lisa Thompson is coming off her strongest outing as a Tiger, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes while shooting efficiently from the field and free-throw line.
The Rutgers transfer has started 10 games this season and stepped into a larger role following Shannon Dowell’s injury, providing versatility and stability at point guard.
As injuries continue to test Mizzou’s depth, Thompson’s ability to adapt and contribute across positions has become increasingly valuable.
Mizzou and Tennessee tip off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Knoxville, with coverage available on SEC Network+ via the ESPN app.
