In a key Southeastern Conference matchup on Wednesday night, the #15 Missouri Tigers secured a 110-98 victory over the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers’ offensive prowess was on full display, marking their third win over a top-five opponent this season.
Missouri’s junior guard, Mark Mitchell, delivered a standout performance, recording a career-high 31 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Graduate student Caleb Grill complemented Mitchell’s efforts with a double-double, amassing 25 points and 10 rebounds. Their combined offensive output set the tone early, as the Tigers jumped to a 12-0 lead within the first three minutes, forcing Alabama to call an early timeout.
The Tigers maintained their momentum throughout the first half, extending their lead to as much as 20 points. Missouri’s efficient ball movement and sharp shooting resulted in a 59-46 advantage at halftime. Notably, the team’s 59 first-half points were the most they have scored in a half this season.
Alabama’s offense was spearheaded by guard Mark Sears, who tallied a season-high 35 points and contributed five assists. Despite his efforts, the Crimson Tide struggled to close the gap, trailing by double digits for most of the game. Freshman Labaron Philon added 14 points, while forward Mouhamed Dioubate recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Crimson Tide faced challenges with ball security, committing 10 turnovers in the first half alone, which Missouri converted into 15 points. Alabama added four additional second-half turnovers. Sears and Philon had 9 of the 14 turnovers. Bama coach Nate Oats commented on the Tide’s turnovers, stating, “We did not start the game out well and we gave them 21 points off turnovers. They are top five in steal percentage, we gave them 12 steals and they scored off them.”
Missouri’s defense capitalized on Alabama’s miscues, recording 12 steals and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the contest. Sophomore guard Anthony Robinson II contributed three steals alongside his 14 points, while Tamar Bates added four steals and 13 points, underscoring the Tigers’ defensive tenacity.
Despite Alabama’s attempts to rally, cutting the deficit to six points on two occasions in the second half, Missouri responded with timely scoring runs to maintain their lead. The Tigers’ composure under pressure and effective free-throw shooting down the stretch secured their victory. Missouri shot 60.3% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range. The Tigers outscored Alabama 31-15 at the free-throw line, highlighting their offensive efficiency.
This win elevates Missouri’s overall record to 20-6, including a 9-4 mark in SEC play, and bolsters their resume with significant victories over top-ranked teams. The Tigers’ performance at home has been particularly impressive, boasting a 17-1 record at Mizzou Arena this season.
Conversely, Alabama’s loss drops them to 21-5 overall and 10-3 in conference play and in a tie for second place with #2 Florida in the SEC standings . The Crimson Tide will need to address their defensive lapses and turnover issues as they prepare for upcoming games to maintain their standing in the SEC.
Oats also lamented that the Tide is now at the mercy of other teams in its quest for an SEC championship, noting, “I think they wanted this game a little bit more tonight. That is disappointing because we had a lot riding on this game. We were still in control of our own destiny with the SEC Championship, if we had won out. We no longer are, and Missouri deserves a lot of credit for it.”
Alabama continues its end-of-season gauntlet run with a home game against #17 Kentucky on Saturday 2/22 at 5pm CT on ESPN. The Tide follows with games against #21 Mississippi State, at #6 Tennessee, #2 Florida, and at #1 Auburn.