The Mizzou Tigers did a lot right in this game, but they still lost by double digits to the Crimson Tide.
One thing we will always remember about this game is that the Mizzou Tigers went a perfect 31-for-31 from the free-throw line. It’s too bad they couldn’t turn that performance into a victory.
The Tigers stayed in the game up until the final five minutes when Alabama ran away with the 88-74 home victory Saturday afternoon. If Missouri continues to be that sharp from the free-throw line, the Tigers will be in a lot more contests down the road.
Studs vs Alabama
Stud #1: Dru Smith
Dru Smith is who the Tigers depend on for scoring and for defense. He gave them both to stay in the game.
Smith was a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line and scored 18 points in 37 minutes of action. He played seven more minutes than anybody else for Mizzou, and tied for a team-high in six rebounds. He also came away with four steals.
Stud #2: Mark Smith
Mark Smith is on the list for the second straight time. Smith scored 15 points and was the player they went to when they needed a 3-pointer while trying to close in on the Crimson Tide. Hopefully next time he knocks down those important 3s.
But Smith’s 15 points only trailed Dru’s total and he made some important plays to keep the Tigers in the game. He finished 4 of 14 from the field and 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
Stud #3: Xavier Pinson
Xavier Pinson was a big key as to why Mizzou was a perfect 31 of 31 for free shots. Pinson nailed all nine of his attempts and he scored 11 points.
Pinson played 20 minutes off the bench, and though he went 1 of 8 from the field, he picked up two bigs steals on defense and grabbed two defensive rebounds.