In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Missouri Tigers secured a remarkable 76-67 victory against the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks, prompting jubilant Missouri fans to storm the court in celebration. This victory marks only the fourth time in the school’s history that Missouri has defeated Kansas while they were ranked at the top of the Associated Press poll, with the last such win occurring over a decade ago.
Tamar Bates shone brightly for the Tigers, scoring 29 points and contributing five steals, while Mark Mitchell added 17 points. Anthony Robinson II also played a key role, putting up 11 points and securing five steals. Notably, Josh Gray was instrumental on the boards, finishing with a team-high 10 rebounds.
Despite a strong effort from Kansas’s Hunter Dickinson, who recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds, the Jayhawks struggled with ball control, committing a staggering 22 turnovers throughout the game. Their recent form has been concerning; this loss follows a previous defeat against Creighton, marking two consecutive losses on the road.
Missouri built a commanding lead early in the second half, leading 57-33 after a jump shot from Tony Perkins. However, Kansas attempted a comeback, outscoring the Tigers 30-8 in a frantic push. Despite this, Missouri maintained composure in critical moments, with Mitchell’s timely three-pointer and Bates’ decisive layup sealing the win.
Looking ahead, Kansas will host NC State, while Missouri will face Long Island, both on Saturday.
This victory is a significant boost for Missouri, showcasing their resilience and ability to challenge top teams. It not only energizes the fan base but potentially sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. With this win, the Tigers demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with, capable of competing at the highest level of college basketball.