Mizzou defeats No. 21 Kentucky for first time in school history

Cuonzo Martin can say something no other coach can in Mizzou basketball history.

He beat Kentucky.

The Tigers defeated (21) Kentucky for the first time in school history, 69-60.

With the victory, Mizzou improves to 15-8 (5-5 SEC). The Tigers have won back-to-back conference games for the first time since 2016.

Mizzou’s defense was dominant holding Kentucky to 31 percent shooting and just 10 percent from three. The Wildcats averaged 77.6 points per game going into the game.

Kassius Robertson and Jordan Barnett led the way on offense for Mizzou to both finish with 16 points. Jontay Porter also had 13 points and three blocks. The Tigers are undefeated this season when Porter finishes in double figures.

Kentucky freshman Kevin Knox received a shower of boos from the Mizzou crowd in similar fashion to Devin Booker last season. Knox considered signing with Mizzou last spring but instead chose Kentucky. Knox finished just 2-6 from the field with his second lowest total on the season of five points.

The Tigers held Kentucky to just 18 points in the first half and jumped out to a double-digit lead at half. Mizzou did not have an exceptional shooting day either finishing at 46 percent, but the Tigers made plays defensively and had eight blocks.

The win also is the first back-to-back top-50 RPI victory for Mizzou.

Mizzou next faces Ole Miss on the road on Feb. 6.