The Tigers have dropped two of their last three games, and part of the blame falls on the shoulders of their typically reliably point guard. Anthony Robinson II has struggled the last few games, and head coach Dennis Gates was brutally honest while talking with reporters on Monday.
"We have to understand that Ant Robinson has to continue to play better for us," said Gates. If he does not play well, we don't have a chance, I believe."
Mizzou head coach makes a direct challenge to fading starter Anthony Robinson II
Over those last three games, Robinson is averaging just five points per game on 23.5% shooting. And while he's usually able to make up for any deficiencies on offense with his stellar defense, he has just two steals and eight fouls over that same stretch. His minutes have declined from 35 to 26 to just 17 minutes against LSU as Gates has started to lose trust in his point guard.
T.O. Barrett has filled in well during Robinson's struggles. He's averaged 26 minutes and 12 points, four rebounds and 3.5 assists over the last two games, and has given the Tigers a much-needed boost in the backcourt. But while Mizzou has clearly found a short-term answer for Robinson's slump, Gates made it clear they need him to get back to his old self the the team to make a run.
Missouri has now fallen to 3-2 in the SEC and 13-5 overall after disappointing losses to Ole Miss and LSU. While there's plenty of opportunity left to improve their tournament resume, including this week against No. 21 Georgia, there is also less room for error as the season goes on. To securely make the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers likely still need at least eight Quad 1 or 2 wins to finish the year.