The Missouri Tigers entered this contest hoping to move past the disappointing end to their 2024-25 regular season, which included three losses in their last four games. Instead, they implemented a new game plan, aiming to take advantage of their first-round bye and advance past their first opponent in the SEC Tournament.
All season long, Mizzou had dominated opponents but struggled in rematches. Fans may have expected a similar result in this one, as the Tigers played well against Mississippi State the first time around. However, that wasn't the case Thursday night.
The game was as back-and-forth as it gets, which had not been the type of game head coach Dennis Gates had been able to win this season. However, he proved that when it matters most, the Tigers can close out strong competition within the SEC.
This game featured 17 ties and 9 lead changes, and from the tip, it was clear it would be that kind of game. The Bulldogs had an answer for everything Mizzou threw at them, and vice versa.
The Tigers shot 52% from the field and 38% from three in the first half—far from their best performance, but enough to hold a 39-34 lead at the break. This was not as strong as their previous matchup against Mississippi State, but it was sufficient.
Meanwhile, Mississippi State converted just 35% of its field goals and made only 3 of its 14 attempts from beyond the arc, highlighting that Mizzou's defense was the key to their success in the half.
Speaking of defense, star Bulldog guard Josh Hubbard scored just 7 points in the half on 2-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-5 from deep. It was the exact defense you'd hope to see against the best player on the opposing team, with credit going to Tigers guard Anthony Robinson II, who was recently named to the All-SEC Defensive Team on Monday.
The second half mirrored the first, as Gates's team maintained solid defensive effort throughout all 40 minutes, limiting the Bulldogs' opportunities. That said, the offense definitely struggled against a subpar defense—one they had hit 15 three-pointers against in early February.
As for the offense, it was clutch, and the shots were generally smart, but the efficiency was lacking. Their numbers dropped to 46% from the field and just 27% from deep. Hopefully, they’re saving their best offensive performance for the next few games in the tournament.
Senior guards Tamar Bates and Tony Perkins had arguably their best games of the season, combining for 45 points. Perkins also added 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. It was a stellar performance and a great closeout when it was needed most.
Though Mizzou faced deficits often, and winning seemed unlikely at times, it's a huge confidence boost for both the team and the fans to be able to close out an opponent like this.
When the clock hit zero, the Tigers had won the game 85-73, not allowing any late run from the Bulldogs.
Despite the win, there is much to work on for the next game, which comes less than 24 hours after their first one ended.
Star sharpshooter and SEC Sixth Man of the Year Caleb Grill struggled significantly, posting just 5 points on 2-of-11 shooting. Additionally, forward Mark Mitchell, arguably the best player on the roster this season, played only 12 minutes before going down with an injury.
Overall, there's much to be proud of with this win, but with little time between games, they'll need to prepare quickly for their next opponent: No. 2 seed Florida, whom Mizzou has already defeated this season.
They'll continue their run for the SEC title at 6 p.m. Friday.