Mizzou hoops fends off a late comeback to return to the win column
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
After suffering a 26-point loss to Alabama on the road, the Tigers returned to Mizzou Arena and got back to their winning ways against Mississippi State, 84-79.
You can watch extended highlights of MU's victory in the video player below.
Mizzou caught fire at the start of the game, going on a 13-4 run from the opening tip. The lead only grew, getting to 10 points in multiple spots. But the Bulldogs mounted a charge of their own, going on an 11-1 run, and taking the lead 26-25. The Tigers finished the first half strong from there, holding a seven point advantage at the break.
You can watch the full postgame press conference with head coach Dennis Gates, as well as guard T.O. Barrett and forward Trent Pierce in the video player below.
Coming out of the half, Coach Gates' squad dominated Mississippi State, extending the lead to as many as 16. The Tigers defended their double digit advantage through most of the second half, but the Bulldogs came alive in the final minutes, getting it to a one possession game with just over two minutes remaining. However, their late surge was not enough to steal the win, as Mizzou rose to the occasion, securing a 84-79 win.
Mark Mitchell lead the team in scoring with 19 points, and tacked on six rebounds and four assists. T.O. Barrett was right behind him with 16 points. In his first start of the season Trent Pierce added 13 points on 5-8 shooting.
Up next - The Tigers will have a week off before returning to the court. Mizzou's next game will be on the road against South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 7 with tip off scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
