Despite the 84-79 victory over Mississippi State, Missouri left with a big loss to their roster. Sophomore guard Annor Boateng was stretchered off of the court after taking a big fall, and the injury seems pretty serious based on head coach Dennis Gates' postgame comments.
Boateng was driving the lane to go up for a dunk as he slipped and his legs went out from underneath him. He was on the floor for several minutes before being taken off to a standing ovation from the Mizzou crowd. But, while his specific injury wasn't revealed, it looks like Boateng's season may be over.
"Speedy recovery to Annor Boateng," said Gates. "Don't know the specifics yet, but nine times out of ten, he'll be out for the remainder of the season."
The Tigers lose a key depth piece to a probable season-ending injury
The sophomore has struggled to stay on the floor for the Tigers after playing in just 17 games as a freshman and now just 14 as a sophomore. Before the injury, Boateng was averaging 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
"It messed with me a little bit mentally, just seeing my brother go down like that, and you could see the pain on his face," guard T.O. Barrett said. "But ultimately we kept pushing through and to the win for him."
The Tigers earned a nice win against the Bulldogs, climbing back up to 5-4 in conference play, but their depth took a hit with the injury to Boateng. With Jevon Porter still out, Mizzou will have to navigate the next few weeks without being at full strength. Center Shawn Phillips also injured his ankle in the game according to Gates, but his injury seems much less concerning.
Missouri will now have a week off before going to visit the South Carolina Gamecocks on Feb. 7.