Starting Five - Storylines for the William Jewell Game
1) The No. 19/21 Missouri State Lady Bears (9-2) close out one of the most successful calendar years in school history Tuesday afternoon as they go for their 31st win in 2019 in a 1 p.m. game against William Jewell at JQH Arena. The Lady Bears are now 33-5 overall since Dec. 20, 2018, ranking seventh nationally in total wins since that date.
2) The Lady Bears have shot 40 percent or better and scored at least 68 points in 10 of 11 games this season. Through Dec. 29, the Lady Bears rank eighth nationally in 3-point percentage at .396 and 20th at 76.8 percent from the foul line. Additionally, senior
Alexa Willard ranks third in 3-point shooting at 51.2 percent.
3) Missouri State has won the rebounding battle in nine of 11 games this season and owns a plus-7.8 margin on the glass this year after ranking second in school history at plus-8.3 last season.
4) The Lady Bears are off to their best start since the 2003-04 team opened 20-1, and best home start since that same club finished 17-0 in Springfield. Missouri State's nine wins prior to MVC play are the most in school history before the start of Valley competition.
5) MSU's resume continues to shine as the season continues, with the Lady Bears ranking second in the Dec. 29 edition of the NCAA RPI. Missouri State owns road victories at South Dakota (25th), Minnesota (35th), Oklahoma (40th) and Boise State (72nd), with the season's only two losses on the road at Oregon State (4th) and Gonzaga (7th). With five additional MVC teams rated 86th or better, the Lady Bears will have plenty of chances to strengthen their postseason credentials in conference play.
Series History
Missouri State and William Jewell have never met in women's basketball, including exhibition contests.
Scouting William Jewell
William Jewell is 5-4 overall and picked to finish 10th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this season. Kiara Bradley is the Cardinals' leading scorer at 17.4 points per game, adding 7.6 boards and shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc. As a team, WJC averages 63.8 points and allows 66.7, shooting 39 percent overall, 34.6 percent on 3-pointers and 71 percent at the foul line with a plus-1.0 rebound margin.
Â
