In a thrilling SEC matchup, the nationally-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks edged out the Mizzou Tigers with a 94-86 victory at home. This win propels the Razorbacks to a 20-7 overall record and 10-4 in conference play, while the Tigers sit at 18-9 and 8-6 in the SEC.
Mizzou Standouts
Senior Mark Mitchell was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 26 points and dishing out eight assists, committing just one turnover. Mitchell's efficiency was on full display as he shot 8-for-12 from the field, while also grabbing nine rebounds. This marks his fourth SEC game with at least 20 points and five assists, underscoring his pivotal role for the Tigers this season.
Trent Pierce was another key contributor, nearly matching his season high with 22 points, thanks to a 9-of-15 shooting performance, including three from beyond the arc. Shawn Phillips Jr. and Jayden Stone also chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively, rounding out a balanced scoring effort for Mizzou.
Game Breakdown
The first half was a seesaw battle. Mizzou briefly took control with an 11-2 run, building an eight-point lead at 32-24.
However, Arkansas responded with a commanding 13-2 run, flipping the script to take a 44-39 lead. The Razorbacks were red-hot, sinking nine of their last 10 shots to head into halftime up 47-41.
In the second half, the Tigers clawed back to within one point at 57-56. Yet, the Razorbacks had an answer, launching an 8-2 run to stretch their lead to 65-58. Mizzou kept it close until the final minutes, when Arkansas pulled away with a decisive 13-4 run, extending their lead to 91-77.
Team Stats
Both teams shot impressively, with Mizzou hitting 55.4% from the field compared to Arkansas' 52.5%. However, the Razorbacks capitalized on key opportunities, outscoring the Tigers 17-2 in fastbreak points, 18-6 off turnovers, and 15-8 in second-chance points.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to refine their play and make a strong push in the conference. With performances like these, the stage is set for an exciting finish in the SEC.