Missouri entered conference play with a weak resume and in need of some big time wins. After one week, they've found them in wins over Florida and now Kentucky.
Before Mizzou's 73-68 victory on Wednesday night, the Tigers were winless at Rupp Arena. Now, they're hitting their stride, and head coach Dennis Gates has his players to thank.
"In every situation, they took over the huddles," Gates said after the game. "I don't want any credit for this. Our guys played, they took over the huddle and they led in a tremendous way. You heard their voice — it's not my voice. And I give them credit for what they accomplished and I'm proud of them."
Mizzou has gotten off to a blazing hot start in conference play
It was just last month that Mizzou was getting blown out by Illinois, and so the quick turnaround is a bit surprising to say the least. Florida and Kentucky, who admittedly have struggled on the season, were the preseason No. 1 and 2 in the conference. Now Missouri is sitting pretty at 12-3 and 2-0 in the SEC.
While January has gone essentially perfect for Mizzou, there's still work to be done. The Tigers will likely need to win at least eight of the remaining 16 games to have a shot at an NCAA Tournament bid.
Still, Gates has his players playing well, and together, and it would seem the Tigers are peaking just when they needed it most. Missouri will now head to take on Ole Miss on Saturday in Oxford.