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Mizzou Men's Basketball: A Week In Review (Week 3)

At the conclusion of Week 3 , the Tigers stand at 5-1 with another 2 win week.

By Aaron Marks

Nov 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Marques Warrick (1) shoots the ball during the first half against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Marques Warrick (1) shoots the ball during the first half against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Starting off week 3, the Missouri Tigers faced the Pacific Tigers this past Friday night at Mizzou Arena. Mizzou started the game slowly, finding themselves down 7-2 at the first media timeout and struggling to find its shot. However, they regrouped and, later in the period, began to find a defensive rhythm. They forced three turnovers on three consecutive Pacific possessions, turning a 13-11 lead into a 19-11 advantage, prompting a Pacific timeout. The rest of the half was dominated by Caleb Grill, who hit five threes as Mizzou went into the locker room with a 23-point lead.

Mizzou went on to win 91-56, with Grill contributing 25 points, including a 7-9 performance from three. A key factor in the win was Mizzou’s ball control, as they didn’t commit a turnover for the first 25 minutes of the game and finished with just six. The Tigers were also active defensively, forcing 14 Pacific turnovers.

What looked good vs. Pacific:

  • Caleb Grill (7/9 from 3)
  • Limited turnovers offensively (0 in first half)
  • Forced 14 turnovers
  • Transition offense
  • Strong bench play and tons of depth

What looked bad vs. Pacific:

  • Free throw shooting in the second half (11-17)
  • Mark Mitchell (1/6 shooting and finished with 4 points)
  • Annor Boateng was responsible for 3 of the 6 Mizzou turnovers

Following their win over Pacific, the Tigers faced Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Mizzou Arena this past Sunday afternoon. Mizzou welcomed Tony Perkins back to the rotation after he missed the previous two contests. As has been the case all season, the Tigers started slow, shooting just 2-11 from beyond the arc in the first half. At the 10-minute mark in the opening half, Mizzou held a narrow 21-16 lead. However, the Tigers closed the first half strong, taking a 52-25 lead into the locker room. Mark Mitchell led the charge, scoring 14 points in the first half alone.

From that point on, Mizzou took control and never looked back. Mitchell finished with 20 points, while Anthony Robinson II posted a solid 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Tigers went on to win 112-63.

What looked good vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff:

  • Forced 19 turnovers
  • 63 bench points
  • Only committed 8 total turnovers
  • 4 players scored double digit points (Mark Mitchell, Caleb Grill, Anthony Robinson II, and Tamar Bates)
  • 19 offensive rebounds

What looked bad vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff:

  • 3 point shooting (9/32)
  • Slow start offensively 

Takeaways from the week:

  • Jacob Crews' production in recent games has been lackluster and with a team as deep as Mizzou, he'll need to figure things out quickly.
  • In order to compete later in the season, slow starts can’t keep happening.
  • Three point shooting needs to be much more consistent, can’t rely on Caleb Grill staying over 50% across the season.
  • This team has gotten off to a great start defensively, led by Anthony Robinson who looks much improved as a sophomore.

Upcoming Games:

Wednesday: Home vs. Lindenwood (5:30 pm)

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