After three losses in their previous five games, Mizzou was hoping to finish strong at home against a tough SEC opponent. Head coach Dennis Gates and his team are looking for a win to get back on track and improve their seed heading into next week’s SEC Tournament.
The teams began the game by showing why they’re considered evenly matched, with both offenses being stifled by strong defenses. Mizzou’s defense was bolstered by 7-foot center Josh Gray, who earned the start over Trent Pierce for the first time in over a month. Pierce checked in for Gray five minutes into the game
After taking an early 5-3 advantage, the Tigers brought in sharpshooting Caleb Grill, one of the best shooters in the country this season, to a standing ovation from the home crowd. He quickly drained a three-pointer, and along with Tony Perkins, ran much of the early offense, helping the home team maintain control of the lead.
The Wildcats opened the game shooting 1-for-6 from the field and committed multiple turnovers, including a 24-second violation forced by Mizzou, while enduring a scoring drought that lasted over five minutes in the early stages.