ROLLA, Mo. — Missouri S&T women's basketball opened its 2026-27 season Friday afternoon with a hard-fought contest against Thomas More but fell in a 71-63 overtime loss at Gibson Arena.
The Miners (0-1) came out strong in the opening quarter, taking a 12-10 advantage behind baskets from
Norah Gum (Waterloo, IL/Waterloo),
Megan Aulbert (Lake St. Louis, MO/Lutheran) and
Marley Ogden (Bethalto, IL/Civic Memorial). S&T maintained a narrow lead through the first half, taking a 23-22 advantage into the break.
Missouri S&T found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter, shooting 56.25% from the field and connecting on five 3-pointers.
Kam Heider (East Peoria, IL/Richwoods) knocked down a pair of key shots from beyond the arc, while
Emily Cooper (Eau Claire, WI/McDonnell Central Catholic) also connected from long range. Gum added a basket late in the period as the Miners built a 46-36 lead heading into the final quarter.
Thomas More began chipping away at the deficit in the fourth, eventually taking its first lead of the second half at 53-52 with just over two minutes remaining. Aulbert answered with a basket inside to put S&T back in front, and Gum added a free throw to give the Miners a two-point advantage.
The Saints responded with a basket in the closing seconds to even the score at 55-55 with 24 seconds remaining. Heider and
Kiarra Kilgore (Galesburg, IL/Galesburg) each had a 3-point attempt blocked in the final seconds of regulation, sending the contest into overtime.
Thomas More carried its momentum into the extra period, scoring the first four points to take a 59-55 lead. Gum and Cooper helped keep the Miners within reach, combining for six points during the period, but the Saints continued to convert at the free-throw line to pull away for the 71-63 win.
Gum led the Miners with 16 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. Aulbert recorded a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, while Heider contributed 12 points, connecting on four 3-pointers.
Kilgore added eight rebounds and three assists, while Cooper finished with five points, four rebounds, and a team-high six assists. Ogden also chipped in six points and three assists.
Missouri S&T finished the night shooting 31.5% from the field and 25.8% from beyond the arc. The Miners held a 52-38 advantage in rebounding.
What's Next
The Miners will look to bounce back Saturday when they continue tournament play against Chadron State at Gibson Arena.
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