Mizzou basketball hunts for sixth-straight win

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou basketball prepares to host South Dakota for the fifth time in program history.

Off the back of a 5-0 start, head coach Dennis Gates has his squad ready to contest for a sixth-straight win to start the season. On Monday against Prairie View A&M the Tigers controlled the game from the opening tip, securing an impressive 91-73 win. Six players score in double digits, lead by senior Jacob Crews with 20.

"I think we've developed this sense of grittiness," said forward Luke Northweather. "Trying to be tough, physical, and disruptive is a big thing they teach here."

You can watch the full interview with Luke Northweather and head coach Dennis Gates in the video player above.

Over the course of the season, five players are averaging 10 or more points per game, led by returning forward Mark Mitchell at 18. As a team, the Tigers are shooting more than 56 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. Crews has found the most success from beyond the arc, shooting 13-of-21.

"Those guys are doing a great job, allowing the game to come to them easily and seamlessly," said head coach Dennis Gates. "And their teammates are doing a good job of taking the stress off of them and creating easy shot opportunities, that's why their percentages are where they are."

South Dakota comes in off of one of their most successful seasons. The Coyotes finished fifth in the Summit League, with a 9-7 conference record. 10 players are returning to build off of their 2024-25 campaign, led by Isaac Bruns who leads the team in scoring with 17.4 points per game.

"When you have that type of continuity, it can pose any problems to any opponent, so that's one thing to look for," said Gates. "The way that they play, and what they bring, makes for difficult situations they'll continue to put us in."

Mizzou and South Dakota are scheduled to tip off in Mizzou Arena at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20.