Missouri remains winless in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play after falling to South Carolina and Alabama this past week. The Tigers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Gamecocks on Saturday and couldn’t keep up with the Crimson Tide on Tuesday to fall to 8-8 with an 0-4 record in conference play.
Photo Cred: Missouri Athletics
71-69 (OT) loss to South Carolina
Dennis Gates’ team let one slip away this past weekend after falling to USC in front of their home crowd at Mizzou Arena. MU had the lead for most of the second half but couldn’t hold on in their overtime loss, blowing that lead in the final minute of regulation. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Broyles found Ta’Lon Cooper for the game-tying three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining to even the score at 62. The Tigers couldn’t finish on their final possession, resulting to overtime.
Both teams remained scoreless throughout the first two minutes of the extra period. Sean East II and Noah Carter missed free-throws in bonus situations. The Gamecocks eventually capitalized by making free throws and finishing at the basket. Cooper and forward B.J Mack gave USC a 69-64 lead with 1:38 remaining. Mizzou came storming back, as Carter scored five straight points. The forward knocked down both free throws with just under a minute and a half to play.
Photo Cred: Columbia Daily Tribune
With 36 seconds remaining, Carter drilled a three-pointer to tie the game at 69. South Carolina guard Jacobi Wright hit a go-ahead jumper over Connor Vanover with 13 seconds remaining to put the Gamecocks up 71-69. Carter ended up missing a game-winning three-point jumper at the last second, which led to their third-straight loss.
93-75 loss at Alabama
Missouri competed but couldn’t stop Alabama in their 93-75 loss at Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday.
The Crimson Tide began to pull away with seven minutes remaining in the matchup. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. scored from beyond the arc to extend UA’s lead to eight. Rylan Griffen, who scored 16 points throughout the final 10 minutes, also knocked down a three-pointer to give Alabama a 68-58 lead with 6:23 remaining in the contest.
Photo Cred: Columbia Daily Tribune
Griffen knocked down two more shots from beyond the arc later in the game to help the Crimson Tide pull away. The guard knocked down a 3 to give UA a 77-67 lead with 4:07 remaining. Seconds later, he drilled a three pointer to extend Alabama’s lead to 80-67.
Five players for the Crimson Tide finished in double digits. Griffen and Aaron Estrada led the way with 21 points each. Forward Grant Nelson concluded the matchup with 13 points. Wrightsell scored 11 points, while Nick Pringle had 10. Tamar Bates (19 points) and Nick Honor (18 points) were the bright spots for Missouri. Carter also had a solid performance with 13 points and three assists.
In Other News:
Missouri guard John Tonje will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. The Colorado State transfer appeared in just eight games this season.
Photo Cred: Rock M Nation
