ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University women's basketball fell to 4-7 in an 82-66 loss to Missouri (10-3) on Sunday afternoon at Chaifetz Arena. 

The Billikens defense started the game shutting down Missouri in the opening minutes. Saint Louis held the Tigers scoreless for the first five minutes of the game and caused four turnovers in that span. Defense led to offense as the Billikens opened with an  8-0 run to take early control. Both teams continued to trade baskets, and at the end of the first, Missouri led 17-14. 

Missouri controlled the second quarter, but Saint Louis stayed resilient, battling on the boards. The Billikens out-rebounded Missouri 13-9 in that quarter and 47-38 overall for the game. By halftime, Missouri was up 42-27.

The Billikens' backcourt made a strong offensive impact to start the third quarter. Led by Jahda Denis and Alexia Nelson, the SLU backcourt scored all 19 of the Billikens third-quarter points, with Denis and Nelson combining for 13 of those points. A straightaway top arc three by Mia Bergstrom in the final two minutes gave the Billikens some momentum heading into the fourth quarter. Missouri maintained a 14-point lead going into the final quarter.

Saint Louis jump-started the quarter with a quick-and-one by Bergstrom and moments later, a three-pointer by Denis to make it an eight-point game. The Tigers defense held firm to close out the game and force an 82-66 win for Missouri. 

NOTABLES
- Alexia Nelson scored in double figures for the seventh consecutive (15 points)
- Mia Bergstrom set a new career high with six rebounds
- 20 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds were the most by the Billikens this season

UP NEXT
The Billikens return to their home floor on Wednesday, Dec.17, for a 4 p.m. tip against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. The men's team will play Bethune-Cookman after for a SLU basketball double-header.