In a thrilling matchup on Sunday afternoon, the Missouri Tigers claimed a notable 76-67 victory over the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. Tamar Bates led the Tigers with an impressive 29 points and contributed five steals, showcasing his defensive prowess and scoring ability.
Mark Mitchell was another standout for Missouri, adding 17 points to the scoreboard, while Anthony Robinson II chipped in 11 points and made significant contributions on defense with five steals. Josh Gray anchored the rebounding effort, grabbing a team-high 10 boards as Missouri improved to an 8-1 record this season.
On the opposing side, Hunter Dickinson scored 19 points and pulled down 14 rebounds for the Jayhawks, who have faced challenges on the road recently, suffering their second consecutive loss after falling 76-63 to Creighton just a few days prior.
Reflecting on the game, Kansas head coach Bill Self acknowledged their struggles, stating, “It’s amazing that we were still in the game as poorly as we played.” He emphasized the critical need for the team’s cohesion moving forward.
Missouri set the tone early, establishing a significant 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining in the game after a jump shot from Tony Perkins. However, the Jayhawks showed resilience, mounting a spirited comeback and outscoring the Tigers 30-8 over an 11-minute stretch. Despite their efforts, Missouri held firm, with Bates scoring 18 points before halftime and helping the Tigers maintain momentum in the second half.
The pivotal moment of the game came when Mitchell hit a crucial 3-pointer, narrowing the score to 68-63, with just over two minutes left to play. Gray followed up with free throws, and Bates sealed the deal with a layup, extending the lead to 72-63 with only a minute left.
A key statistic that highlighted Kansas’ struggles was their 22 turnovers, with 14 of those occurring in the first half. This turnover issue was a significant factor in the Tigers’ ability to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, Kansas will host North Carolina State on Saturday, while Missouri will take on Long Island the same day. This win not only boosts Missouri’s confidence but also marks their first victory against Kansas since February 2012, positioning them for a promising season ahead.
This result signals an exciting turn for Missouri as they continue to build momentum, showcasing their potential to be a formidable competitor in the league.