Missouri hands South Carolina women their first SEC loss in 83-74 upset

History repeated itself on Sunday, as No. 15 Missouri — the last team to beat South Carolina during its championship season last year — got the Gamecocks again in an 83-74 upset in Columbia, Missouri.

Guard Sophie Cunningham, the Tigers’ star in last season’s defeat, led the charge once again with 27 points. The No. 4 Gamecocks (13-2, 2-1 SEC) were out of sorts early, struggling with frequent whistles and the resulting foul trouble. South Carolina trailed 35-29 at the half and could just never quite get into the flow of what became a chippy and physical game. Missouri (14-2, 2-1) shot 56% from the floor and an incredible 62% (8 of 13) from 3-point range.

Ty Harris recorded her second double-double with 14 points and 10 assists to pace the Gamecocks, and Bianca Jackson (14) and Mikiah Herbet Harrigan (11) provided a spark off the bench. Lindsey Spann and Alexis Jennings scored 11 points each as well.

South Carolina star A’ja Wilson was held to a season-low eight points, hampered by whistles, and fouled out with about 3 minutes left and the Gamecocks down 69-60. Coach Dawn Staley was then hit with a second technical foul and promptly ejected for arguing with the refs. Her post-game presser is worth a watch; she doesn’t pull any punches about the officiating, and was clearly unhappy with Missouri’s style of play as well.

Up next: The Gamecocks return home to face Auburn on Thursday.