Missouri State women’s basketball team is set to participate in the 25th Anniversary of the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam for the third time in program history. The Lady Bears will kick off their tournament journey with a matchup against Gonzaga on Thanksgiving Day. Senior Sarah Linthacum was named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week after an impressive performance in their last two games. Sophomore Kyrah Daniels is leading the team in scoring this season with 17.0 points/game.
Missouri State has been effective in getting to the free throw line early in the season, ranking 5th nationally in FTA per game and 30th in FTM per game. Head coach Beth Cunningham has led the team to a 46-23 record in her third season at the helm. The Lady Bears were picked to finish fifth in the MVC preseason poll, but have shown strong performances on the court.
Missouri State has a history of success at the Paradise Jam, participating in the tournament in 2000 and 2003. In the inaugural tournament, they finished runner-up with a victory over #10 LSU. In the 2003 tournament, they were crowned champions of the Saint John Division. Jackie Stiles and Kari Koch were named tournament MVPs in their respective appearances.
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Photo credit missouristatebears.com
