Mizzou basketball’s rough start in conference play continued against Texas A&M despite a late run from the Tigers. Mizzou fell 66-64 on their home floor to drop to 9-9 overall and 1-5 in SEC play.
The Mizzou basketball team just can’t figure out how to win SEC games. Their SEC record since joining the conference is a poor 42-88. Even when their lackluster offense gets 37 combined points from Mark Smith and Dru Smith, they still lose at home.
However, it still felt like strides were made after last nights loss.
The Tigers were down nine with just under two minutes to go, but a miraculous comeback resulted with a chance at a game-winning shot. While Torrence Watson missed that shot, the fight from Missouri was incredible to watch.
Studs vs Texas A&M
Stud #1: Dru Smith
Dru Smith scored 18 points on just six shots for Mizzou, going 11-of-11 from the free throw line. His shooting from the charity stripe helped Mizzou break the NCAA Division I record of consecutive free throws made.
Smith also had eight rebounds and eight assists to compliment his scoring. He was aggressive while attacking the basket and was one of the few players for the Tigers that looked to score.
His five turnovers did hurt Missouri but ultimately, he played a huge role in Mizzou keeping the game close.
Stud #2: Mark Smith
Mark Smith had possibly his best game since SEC play started. He poured in 19 points and hit multiple big shots to bring Missouri back. His confidence returned and he made Mizzou better.
He was streaky, resulting in just five made 3s in 13 attempts, but he still shot without hesitation when Mizzou needed it most.
He also did not turn the ball over at all. Not many Tigers could say that following the game.
Stud #3: Torrence Watson
Watson didn’t shoot the ball well against A&M, but he did shoot it. He finished with 11 points on 2-of-9 shooting and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.
Missouri had great ball movement to a fault against the Aggies. The ball would swing all over the court yet players were reluctant to shoot it. Watson pulled the trigger eight times from deep. Despite only making two of those attempts, it was good to see his lack of hesitation.
After his performance against Chicago State earlier this season, Watson should feel free to pull any open 3-pointer. Missouri needs his shot to be on.