Missouri pulled off a huge upset Saturday night, knocking off the No. 22 Florida Gators 76-74 in both teams' first conference game of the season. It was debatably a must-win game for the Tigers, who need a lot more where this game from in order to make the NCAA Tournament.
After the win, head coach Dennis Gates took to the podium and offered up a hilarious opening statement.
"I want to publicly thank our guys for allowing me to be the biggest asshole known to man in the last week," said Gates. "And they took ownership and established their own identity without me being able to say a word, at the end of the day."
Tigers fueled by two players returning from injury
While the Tigers were powered by some familiar faces, with Anthony Robinson II finishing with a team-high 19 points and Mark Mitchell adding another 14, it was two new additions to the lineup that provided the spark Missouri needed.
Jayden Stone, who missed the last eight games, and Trent Pierce, who had yet to suit up this season, made the most of their minutes, combining for 19 points, including some clutch baskets when Mizzou had to have them.
After a tough stretch, Mizzou got back on track against Florida, and Gates once again applauded his players for embracing the challenge.
"Our guys did not get discouraged," Gates said. "They were encouraged, and they allowed failure to get them better. They allowed public ridicule to get them better. They allowed Christmas break to get them better. They allowed me to get them better."