After going 0-2 last week, Mizzou's basketball team needed a response. This week, the Tigers delivered, treating their fans to two thrilling victories that were never in doubt.
It seems the voters continue to have confidence in the Tigers and their position relative to the rest of the league.
Up six in the polls this week 📈#MIZ 🐯 pic.twitter.com/zeIQYbysQ7
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) February 17, 2025
This week, Mizzou defended their home court, obliterating the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday night. This was a strong response, especially considering it followed their first back-to-back losses of the season.
Head coach Dennis Gates and his deep roster followed up their win with another on Saturday afternoon, this time defeating SEC rival Georgia on the road.
The two blowouts were more than enough to earn a significant bump to No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25. It’s a clear sign of respect for the program, especially considering they were ranked No. 21 just last week after a pair of losses.
Another week in the rankings extends their current five-week run in the top 25, a streak they haven’t achieved since the 2020-21 season.
The No. 15 spot also matches their highest ranking since January 2021, when the Tigers jumped seven spots from No. 18 to No. 12.
The official Coaches Poll has Mizzou slightly behind the AP Poll, ranking No. 16 overall.
One thing both polls have in common this week: a strong presence of SEC teams.
In addition to the Tigers at No. 15, this week’s AP Top 25 features Auburn (No. 1), Florida (No. 2), Alabama (No. 4), Tennessee (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7), Kentucky (No. 17), Mississippi State (No. 21), and Ole Miss (No. 24).
No other SEC teams received votes this week, bringing the total to nine SEC teams in the top 25.
Five Big 12 teams and as many Big Ten teams are in this week’s top 25. Despite this, there remains a significant difference between conferences, even among the top three in the NCAA this year, which account for 19 of the 25 total ranked teams—an absurd statistic.
Mizzou is 4-3 against top-25 teams this season, a respectable record against the best competition throughout the year.
The 19-6 Tigers, who sit fifth in the SEC, face a tough road ahead as the season winds down.
This week, they host No. 4 Alabama on Wednesday night. The Crimson Tide dropped from No. 2 after a loss to No. 1 Auburn on Saturday.
Then, they travel to unranked Arkansas on Saturday evening. While the Razorbacks didn’t play well against Mizzou earlier this season, anything can happen in the conference, and the Tigers have struggled on the road all year.