Missouri Grabs Third Straight SEC Win by Downing Arkansas

The Tigers are heating up at just the right time with a third consecutive conference victory.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Missouri (16-9, 4-6 in SEC) defeated Arkansas 87-82 on Thursday in Fayetteville, marking the Tigers' third straight win in Southeastern Conference play. Despite lacking frontcourt depth with an injured center, Missouri controlled the rebounding battle and made 12 three-pointers to overcome the Razorbacks' 43 attempts from deep. Shannon Dowell led all scorers with 25 points, while Grace Slaughter scored 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting inside the arc.

Why it matters

Missouri is building its NCAA Tournament resume with each conference win, as the Tigers look to secure an at-large bid to the Big Dance. The victory over Arkansas, which was the Tigers' second road win in the tough SEC, keeps Missouri in the conversation for a spot on the bubble.

The details

With starting center Jordana Reisma sidelined due to injury, Missouri was forced to play with a shortened rotation of just eight players. Jayla Smith made her first start of the season, and the Tigers controlled the rebounding battle 41-33 despite the lack of size. Arkansas attempted a season-high 43 three-pointers but connected on just 33% of them, while Missouri made 12-of-32 from deep. The Tigers used an 11-0 run in the third quarter, sparked by three straight three-pointers, to take control of the game and never relinquish the lead.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The players

Jordana Reisma

Missouri's starting center who missed the game due to injury.

Grace Slaughter

Missouri's season leader in three-point percentage, who struggled from deep but scored 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting inside the arc.

Jayla Smith

Missouri player who made her first start of the season with Reisma out.

Shannon Dowell

Missouri's leading scorer in the game with 25 points, tying her career-high of four made three-pointers.

Abbey Schreacke

Missouri player who scored 17 points and made three three-pointers during the Tigers' game-changing 11-0 run in the third quarter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Missouri will have an opportunity to grab its second Quad 2 win of the season as it hosts Georgia at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mizzou Arena. The Bulldogs fell out of the rankings in the most recent AP Poll, but received the most votes of any unranked team in the latest update.

The takeaway

Missouri's third straight SEC win, despite key injuries, keeps the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament conversation. The team's ability to control the rebounding battle and make timely three-pointers proved crucial in the victory over Arkansas, showcasing the Tigers' resilience and growth as they push for a spot in the Big Dance.