The Missouri Tigers hosted No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks in a regular season finale matchup in Mizzou Arena Saturday morning.
The Tigers came into the rivalry matchup looking to bounce back after a blowout loss in Norman to the Oklahoma Sooners. Whereas the Razorbacks enter the contest red hot, winning three of their last four games, including a 20-point victory against Texas earlier in the week.
Earlier in the season the Razorbacks outmatched the Tigers in Fayetteville, winning 94-86, where their star freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. posted 20 points and five assists. The big story coming into this game, however, is Acuff will be out. Acuff has been dealing with an ankle issue since early February and was ruled out of the contest as a precaution to make sure he is ready for postseason play. Without Acuff, who leads the SEC in points per game and assists per game, the Razorbacks will rely on junior guard DJ Wagner to fill his role, and another star freshman guard Meleek Thomas to take on the scoring role.
In this storied border rivalry between the two teams, the Razorbacks hold a 37-28 advantage over the Tigers. Though, this particular contest might just be the most important in terms of the stakes for the Tigers. Mizzou holds the keys to their postseason destiny heading into the game, where if they leave with a win they have a chance to secure a double-bye in the SEC tournament and all but guarantee a place in March Madness. With a loss, things get more tricky for the Tigers, as they could be seeded anywhere from fifth to the tenth in the SEC tournament.
Mizzou Arena was buzzing before the game, with it being senior day and a sold out crowd the energy was palpable. A breathtaking national anthem from guest AJ Sarcione led to a roaring applause and it was time for a March matchup for the ages.
The game started with the Razorbacks getting hot early, taking a quick 9-4 lead after former Tiger Trevon Brazile got an and-1 layup over Shawn Phillips Jr. to go. Missouri was able to bounce back quickly though, tying the game at 11 with 14 minutes left in the first half. However, it was a game of runs for both teams, as Arkansas then went on a quick 8-0 run of their own, capped off by an emphatic dunk from Billy Richmond III. Then it was Missouri’s turn again, as they went on a 9-0 run late in the half, cutting Arkansas’ lead to just five points. Mark Mitchell capped off the impressive final five minutes from the Tigers with a layup inside to make it 36-39 heading into the half.
In the second half the Razorbacks’ again came out swinging, getting five quick points off of a Brazile three and Richmond slam. The Tigers didn’t back down though, as Mitchell led another 9-0 run from the Tigers, capped off by an alley-oop jam from Phillips. Shortly after, Mitchell made history for the Tigers scoring his 1000th point in the black and gold.
Both teams kept going at each other back-and-forth with Mitchell and Thomas going almost shot for shot for a stretch. With a minute and thirty seconds left in the game Thomas hit a tough floater over Phillips outstretched arms to take the lead, then Mitchell responded right back with an and-1 on the other end to take the lead back. Thomas then made the game tying free throw to send the game to overtime shortly after.
Heading into overtime the game remained close, with the Razorbacks just taking the edge over the Tigers for most of the period. The Tigers clawed their way back with just over a minute to go to tie it at 81. Philllps took the lead from the free throw line and an exhale of relief washed over the crowd. It was quickly replaced with despair after Brazile knocked down a contested three to all but put the game away. The two teams played the foul game in the final seconds, but Arkansas managed to hang on and escape with a 88-84 victory.
Following the game the team participated in Senior Day festivities, even if dejected by the loss, they were able to take time to embrace their collegiate careers. Five players and more student managers were honored after the game, including: Jacob Crews, Mark Mitchell, Shawn Phillips Jr., Jevon Porter and Jayden Stone. It was a fantastic final game in Columbia for Mitchell, who finished the game with 32 points and played nearly every minute of the game.
The season isn’t over for the Tigers, the loss complicates things heading into the SEC tournament now potentially being seeded anywhere from five to 10. Their March Madness hopes are up in the air, but they are on the cusp of being a lock for the tournament. The Tigers will look to take the positives from one of the best games of the season into postseason play as they head to Nashville next week.