Missouri Tigers women’s basketball is at a crossroads. After beginning the Kellie Harper era with a strong 12-3 record in non-conference play, the Tigers have stumbled in Southeastern Conference (SEC) competition, posting a 2-6 record so far. Although expectations weren’t incredibly high following just five total conference wins over the last two seasons, Harper’s debut SEC schedule is still falling short of what Missouri fans had hoped for.
Change is needed if the Tigers are going to turn their season around. That change starts with redshirt senior Jayla Smith.
Missouri currently ranks near the bottom of the SEC in key defensive categories such as defensive stops, denying shots, and slowing down opposing top guards — all areas where Smith can significantly help. The Tigers sit 15th in the conference in points allowed per game and 14th in opponent 3-point percentage. Additionally, Missouri is last in the SEC with only 12 turnovers forced per game, while every other team forces at least 14.
Smith stands out as arguably Missouri’s most consistent defender. Despite coming off the bench every game this season, she ranks third on the team in steals and leads in blocks per contest. She averages 23 minutes per game, which is a heavy workload, yet her contributions on the floor suggest she deserves even more playing time.
In recent games, limited minutes may have affected Missouri’s defensive effectiveness. For example, Smith played just 21 minutes while Ole Miss guard Cotie McMahon exploded for 33 points. Against Florida, Smith logged 19 minutes but couldn’t contain Liv McGill, who scored 28 points in Missouri’s loss.
If the Tigers want to compete against the SEC’s top players, they cannot keep Smith’s high basketball IQ and aggressive defensive tenacity on the bench. The senior guard should replace junior Abbey Schreacke in the starting lineup.
While Schreacke mainly offers perimeter shooting, Smith brings far more to the table. Besides being a standout defender, Smith also scores more efficiently and effectively. She averages more points per game than Schreacke despite playing nearly three minutes fewer per contest. Smith shoots 50% from the field and 42% from three-point range, compared to Schreacke’s 40% field goal shooting and 39% from beyond the arc.
Inserting Smith into the starting lineup for defensive purposes alone would be a smart move — but her added offensive talent makes it a no-brainer.
The solution to improving Missouri’s struggling defense is clear: it’s Jayla Smith. Giving her a bigger role and more minutes could be exactly what the Tigers need to turn their season around.
https://themaneater.com/133585/sports/missouri-womens-basketball-would-benefit-from-a-starting-lineup-change/