The final minute of the Tiger-Bulldog matchup probably had fans yelling at the TV, turning their knuckles white and turning to whatever stress relief outlet they could find. The visitors wouldn’t go away late and Mizzou’s issue of closing out an opponent came back from the dead. Fortunately, a first half of three’s was enough to pad the lead and ensure victory.
It was raining three’s at Mizzou Arena in the Tigers bid to reach lucky number 73 this afternoon, in the first half at least. Hitting the mark with nearly three minutes remaining, the team improved its record to 15-0 when they reach at least 73 points.
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Led by T.O. Barrett and Trent Pierce in the first twenty, Mizzou exploded to a 84-79 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.
In his first career start, Pierce recorded 13 points, bringing a fresh face to the starting lineup and recording his second-best mark this season. Alongside Barrett, the duo put up 20 points in the first half. Barrett also extended his streak of tallying at least ten points, reaching the mark in five of his last six games as he continues to play the best basketball of his collegiate career.
Through the first eight minutes, the Tigers connected for six three-pointers, eclipsing its mark of just four three’s against the Tide quite early. Two of the buckets came from forward Trent Pierce who collected his first start this season. Entering today’s matchup, Mississippi State 25th nationally and at the top of the SEC in three-point defense, but the Tigers were able to find a solution early and exploit the Bulldogs.
In the first half alone, MU hit eight three’s. In the final twenty minutes, the team only converted on one of eight attempts. However, it set them at nine three-pointers which ties a season-best in conference play.
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While the Tigers took off early, it didn’t come without trials and tribulations. With a ten point lead, Shawn Phillips Jr became a bit mouthy against the referees and the Bulldogs, which turned into a technical foul. Putting State at the charity stripe, they used the momentum boost to go on a 12-1 run over the next three minutes and claimed the lead for the first time since the opening minute.
Shortly after, Jacob Crews and Jayden Stone silenced the barking Bulldogs with a pair of three’s and the Tigers didn’t let the lead slip again.
While the squad was efficient from three point land, they were evenly played within the paint. Over the last two games, the Tigers have outscored its opponents by at least 20 inside the paint. Today, the Bulldogs tried to expunge that stat, matching them for an even 26 in that area. On the other hand, Mizzou was able to match a high rebounding team in State.
Lately, Mizzou has been turnover-prone and that’s putting it lightly. Since the start of conference play, MU sits at No. 15 in the country in turnover percentage. However, they were able to turn the tables against State. They only handed the ball over X times. The Bulldogs on the flip-side are not a turnover team, ranking in the lower 300’s in terms of percentage. Despite this, the Tigers were able to strip the ball a total of 14 times for 21 points.
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In a must-win feeling game, the home team came out with the same energy in the latter half.
Eventually the Tigers crawled out to a 16-point lead with the help of Mark Mitchell. The forward was able to elevate his game in the second half, nearly doubling his points. While he still looks a tad uncomfortable at the charity stripe, he was able to reach his season average of at least 17 points. A much needed reset after a poor performance against Alabama.
Unfortunately, while sport has its glorious highs, it also has tragic moments. Annor Boateng was looking great. He hammered home a highlight reel dunk that had Mizzou Arena on its feet. On the next possession, it looked like he was going to repeat it, instead his leg went out and he went tumbling under the net. You could have heard a pin drop. With the help of medical officials, Boateng was brought to his feet and stretched out with an air cast adorning his left leg. Before leaving, he made sure to give the home crowd his love and gave heart hands to the fans.
The injury also seemed to take away some offensive prowess from the Tigers.
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Closing out the job isn’t always the best part of Mizzou’s game as they let the lead ebb over the final four minutes. For the Bulldogs, Jayden Epps wasn’t heading home without making it difficult. He dropped 23 points, making it the sixth time he’s reached 20 this season.
What’s that saying? Mizzou is going to Mizzou? Josh Hubbard, who had been quiet most of the game, made things dicey in the final two minutes with an and-one that brought the Dogs within three. He also recorded 20-plus points. The pair accounted for over half the team’s points.
A timeout in the dying seconds wasn’t enough for a last-ditch attempt from Chris Jans and crew. Mizzou will look to carry the momentum from the win next Saturday against South Carolina. A needed week of rest from conference play will greet the Tigers this week.
