The Tigers dropped their second straight matchup, another chance for a signature win, and another chance at a statement win in the non-conference slate of their season. The Tigers (8-2) came out with a solid defensive start, but a late run by the Jayhawks, followed up by a dominant second-half performance by Kansas, put this game out of reach for the Tigers.
Sunday’s 80–60 loss at the hands of the Kansas Jayhawks laid bare a major issue for Missouri — a thin offensive rotation that struggled mightily, and a roster increasingly dependent on just one or two contributors to carry the load.
Graduate guard Ant Robinson II picked up a third foul on a technical with about two minutes remaining in the first half. Missouri’s leading scorer, Mark Mitchell, was active, driving in traffic for multiple layups and attempts, but he lacked support from the rest of the roster.
Jacob Crews and Sebastian Mack combined for 10 second-half points, and Northweather added three of Missouri’s four made threes. Free-throw shooting was a missed opportunity, with multiple trips to the line failing to produce momentum.
Defeat against Kansas makes the road ahead much tougher for Mizzou
That inconsistency in the Border War makes their next game — the annual Braggin’ Rights clash with Illinois on Dec. 22 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, almost a must-win.
Last season’s Braggin’ Rights matchup went down to the wire, with Illinois edging Missouri 80–77. loss to Kansas doesn’t end Missouri’s season — but it raises serious doubts about the Tigers’ ability to build a winning resume.
With a shaky performance against a top‑tier opponent and limited offensive variety, the Illini game becomes more than just another non-conference test — it’s a pivotal moment for confidence, momentum, and the rest of the season’s trajectory.
This loss puts added pressure on the Dec. 22 Braggin’ Rights matchup against Illinois. With limited offensive options and injuries to key players like Jayden Stone and Trent Pierce, Missouri cannot afford another setback. Illinois presents a prime opportunity to regain momentum and avoid heading into SEC play with a compromised resume.
For a team that struggled to finish around the rim, convert open shots, and generate consistent scoring against Kansas, the Tigers will need a balanced attack, disciplined execution, and perhaps some breakout performances from role players to avoid falling further behind in national perception.
The Braggin’ Rights game is now more than a rivalry contest — it’s a critical test of whether Missouri can respond under pressure, shore up its offense, and prove it has the pieces to make a postseason push.