In a game Missouri coach Dennis Gates said had a “March feeling in Mizzou Arena,” the Tigers outlasted the Mississippi State Bulldogs in overtime, 66-64 Tuesday night. Nick Honor’s 27-foot 3-pointer with 7.3 seconds remaining proved to be the difference.

“I just had to trust my jumpshot,” Honor said.

His trust gave the Tigers their fourth quad 1 victory on the season, which will most likely be the last piece of the puzzle for the team to earn an at-large bid come Selection Sunday.

It was a tale of two halves for the Bulldogs’ offense. In the first half, they shot 12 of 25 (48%) from the field and 6 of 15 (40%) from 3-point range. In the second half and OT, they shot 10 of 35 (29%) and just 1 of13 (8%) from deep. 

Mohamed Diarra, who Gates made sure to point out in the presser wants to be called Mohamed and not Mo, earned his first start of the season, replacing Noah Carter from Saturday’s starting lineup against Texas A&M. Before fouling out, Diarra finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists.

“I think he earned that, and I think you guys would say the same with what he’s been doing,” Gates said on Diarra. 

Tre Gomillion also made an impact for the Tigers. “He’s a glue guy; he does what nobody else wants to do,” Honor said of Gomillion, who returned for Missouri after missing the last few games due to injury. Gates said Gomillion respectfully challenged him in his office after the A&M game and told him that he was ready to play. Gomillion finished the game with eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists.  

Tolu Smith Jr., who Gates said is one of the top post players in the country, led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounds with a 14 point, 10 rebound double double. Kobe Brown led the Tigers in scoring with 17 points and also had five steals.

Missouri looks for its 21st win when they travel to Georgia, and Mississippi State will try to bounce back at home vs Texas A&M  Saturday.