Without Reisma, Mizzou struggles with Georgia’s size in 85-66 loss

Missouri women’s basketball entered Sunday’s matchup against Georgia searching for a marquee win. While the Bulldogs hadn’t separated themselves from the Tigers in Southeastern Conference play — entering at 4-5 to Missouri’s 4-6 — Georgia held a clear advantage in one key area: size.

Georgia starter Mia Woolfolk is listed at 6 feet 3 inches, and guard Savannah Henderson, who entered early in the first quarter, is listed at the same height.

Missouri’s roster includes just two players listed at 6 feet 3 inches or taller: Hannah Linthacum and Jordana Reisma. Linthacum, the tallest at 6 feet 4 inches, has not played this season. Reisma, Missouri’s primary post presence, missed her second straight game after suffering a lower-leg injury.

Without Reisma, the Tigers (16-10, 4-7 SEC) put up a competitive effort but ultimately fell short, losing 85-66 to Georgia on Sunday in Columbia.

“We had some breakdowns defensively,” Missouri coach Kellie Harper said. “Hopefully, this is something we can learn from.”

Harper did not provide additional details on Reisma’s injury following the game.

“I’ll be honest. We’re day to day with her,” Harper said. “It’s kind of wait and see.”

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Without Reisma, Mizzou struggles with Georgia’s size in 85-66 loss

Before the injury, Reisma had been a consistent and important presence for Missouri. She appeared in 24 games and logged 691 minutes — the third most on the team — while scoring 241 points, also third on the roster.

Beyond her offensive contributions, Reisma played a key role defensively. With Linthacum sidelined, Reisma frequently served as Missouri’s lone true post player, using her size and physicality to disrupt opposing offenses.

The Tigers missed that presence against the Bulldogs (19-5, 5-5), who outrebounded Missouri 44-31.

Junior guard Grace Slaughter stepped into a larger interior role in Reisma’s absence. Slaughter spoke about the adjustments required to play effectively in the post.

“Just making sure I can try to battle with those bigs,” Slaughter said. “Our coaches do a good job of still letting me play on the perimeter, even if I am playing the five.”

Sunday’s loss underscored the challenges Missouri faces while shorthanded in the frontcourt. The Tigers will need to make those adjustments quickly as they travel to face Tennessee at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Knoxville, Tennessee.