COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Women's Basketball extended its winning streak to eight games, pulling away from Saint Louis late to seize a 70-58 victory at Mizzou Arena on Friday night. The Tigers outscored the Billikens 31-17 in the final frame to secure the home win. Junior forward Cierra Porter played arguably the best game of her career to help avenge last year's loss to SLU, scoring 23 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in the win. Porter came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring the first nine Mizzou points in the frame, eventually finishing with 15 in the quarter overall. The Tigers dominated the glass as a team, outrebounding the Billikens, 42-29.

Turning Point

With Mizzou down two at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Porter took over down the stretch. The junior forward dominated on both sides of the ball, excelling in a variety of ways.

Porter started her fourth quarter surge by making a layup on a sweet dish from Amber Smith, and followed it up by taking a charge on the other end. On the next possession, Porter secured her second offensive rebound of the game to extend the possession, and eventually finished it off with another layup. Though SLU would answer with a three-point basket, Porter struck back almost immediately, hitting a turnaround jumper in the lane to cut the lead back to just one. After another defensive stand, Porter would again go to work down low, this time coming across the lane and scoring a hook shot while getting fouled. She would make the free throw.

After a basket on the other end, Porter again received the ball in the post, this time dropping a dime to Smith for an easy lay-in after SLU doubled her. To cap off the 13-7 run, of which she was responsible for nine points, Porter stepped outside, knocking down a long-range two to give Mizzou a four-point lead. The Tigers led the remainder of the game.

Up Next

Mizzou finishes a four-game homestand on Sunday with a matchup vs. SIU-Edwardsville. iTp off is slated for 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network Plus.