Mike Anderson Returns to Columbia, Tigers Dominate 93-63

Mike Anderson’s return to Columbia, MO definitely didn’t go the way he hoped. Anderson’s Razorbacks were dominated from the tip at Mizzou Arena, in a 93-63 loss.

Anderson coached at Missouri for five seasons before taking the Arkansas job. He led the Tigers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances and really helped rebuild the program after taking over for Quin Snyder.

Mizzou fans didn’t care about any of that on Tuesday night though. Missouri’s student section greeted Anderson with boos when he walked onto the court before the game and they let him have it throughout the game.

Mizzou fans were upset with Anderson because they believed he left Missouri with out even trying to recruit in his final season. He left Mizzou with zero commitments for the next season.

Laurence Bowers, who was one of two Tiger players to have played under Anderson at Missouri, had a fantastic senior night performance. Bowers finished the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Jabari Brown scored 23 points and was 3-6 from behind the arc. The Tigers shot 58% from the field and out rebounded Arkansas 40-17. Missouri (22-8, 11-6) finished the 2012-2013 season 17-0 in Mizzou Arena.

BJ Young was basically the only Razorback that showed up Tuesday night. Young had 27 points and had three assists. Young was 4-7 from 3-point range. Young was the only player that scored in double figures for Arkansas (18-12, 9-8).

The loss was big for Arkansas, as it most likely keeps them on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks were in the Next 4 Out category in today’s Bracketology by Joe Lunardi. Arkansas will host Texas A&M on Saturday and then will need a deep run in the SEC Tournament for a shot at the NCAA Tournament.

Missouri has another big game this weekend when they travel to Tennessee. If Tennessee beats Auburn on Wednesday, they will be within one game of Mizzou and with a win would be the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament.