On Thursday night, the Missouri Tigers secured a much-needed 83-75 victory over Mississippi State in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The win provides a boost of momentum for a team that had lost four of its final five regular-season games.
In a contest that coach Dennis Gates and senior guard Tamar Bates described as a "football game," Mizzou was prepared for a physical battle against a Mississippi State team seeking revenge. This came after the Tigers' 88-61 win over the Bulldogs on Feb. 1 in Starkville.
Thursday night had a much different feel early, with a new level of physicality emerging for the postseason. The Bulldogs and Tigers exchanged blows for much of the contest before Mizzou ultimately pulled away late.
With big men Josh Grey and Mark Mitchell battling injuries in the second half, it was the guards who delivered down the stretch for Mizzou. The tandem of Bates and Tony Perkins combined for 45 points, coming up big each time the Tigers needed a bucket.
It seemed that every time the Bulldogs needed an answer, sophomore guard Josh Hubbard was the one to deliver. Hubbard scored 24 points in 38 minutes, consistently stepping up when his team needed him. Despite a poor shooting performance, it was clear Hubbard was the center of attention defensively for Mizzou.
Tied at 69 with 4:13 remaining in the second half, Mizzou made its move, outscoring Mississippi State 16-4, fueled by 10 made free throws during that stretch.
Along with its ability to get to the line, Mizzou's defense tightened up for what felt like the first time in weeks. Playing physical without fouling made the difference, and the Tigers prevailed in a game they desperately needed to win.
The victory sets up a matchup where another team will look to seek vengeance against Mizzou. The Florida Gators will aim to avenge their early-season home loss to the Tigers, when they fell 83-82 in a thrilling contest.
Mizzou and Florida are set to tip off at 6 p.m. Friday in Nashville, Tenn.