Missouri basketball is rolling into December with momentum, an unblemished record, and a chance to make a national statement. The Tigers, sitting at 8-0, head to South Bend on Tuesday night to take on Notre Dame in the ACC/SEC Challenge - a matchup that should offer a clearer picture of just how battle-tested this Mizzou squad really is.
Tigers Stay Perfect Through November
Dennis Gates’ team has handled its business through the early part of the schedule, stringing together wins over mostly mid-major opponents. The latest came in convincing fashion against Cleveland State, a game that carried some extra weight for Gates - it marked a win over his former program. Missouri’s offense has looked sharp, its depth has been on display, and the Tigers have yet to flinch under pressure.
But now the level of competition ticks up. Notre Dame may not be a powerhouse this season, but they’re a Power Five opponent with size, athleticism, and a few marquee matchups already under their belt. This game will be Missouri’s first real road test of the year - and it's coming in a high-profile setting.
Notre Dame Looking to Bounce Back
The Fighting Irish are 5-3 heading into Tuesday’s game and are making their debut in the ACC/SEC Challenge, now in its third year. They’re coming off a tough run at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where they went 1-2 with losses to national contenders Kansas and Houston. Those games exposed some of Notre Dame’s growing pains, but they also showed flashes of what this group can do when it clicks.
This isn’t a team to overlook. They’ve played a tougher schedule than Missouri so far and will be eager to protect their home court and notch a signature win.
Injury Report: Tigers Missing Key Piece
Missouri will be without one of its top offensive weapons in this one. Guard Jayden Stone, a high-scoring presence in the backcourt, is out with a non-shooting hand injury. His absence will force others to step up, especially in late-clock situations where Stone's shot creation has been a safety net.
Forward Trent Pierce remains a question mark. The versatile freshman has yet to make his debut this season, and it’s unclear if Tuesday will be the night he suits up. His availability could provide a boost, especially in terms of frontcourt rotation and defensive versatility.
How to Watch and Listen
- TV: ESPNU
- Streaming: FUBO (free trial available)
- Radio: XM 383 / SiriusXM App 973
- Tip-off: 8 p.m.
CT (9 p.m. ET)
- Location: Purcell Pavilion, South Bend, Indiana
Kevin Fitzgerald will be on the call for ESPNU, with former Texas coach Rodney Terry providing analysis. On the radio side, Mike Kelly and Chris Gervino will handle play-by-play and commentary for the Tiger Radio Network.
A Challenge Before the Rivalry
This game marks Missouri’s third appearance in the ACC/SEC Challenge. They’re 2-0 in the event so far, with a road win at Pittsburgh in 2023 and a home victory over Cal last season. Tuesday’s matchup is also the final tune-up before one of the most anticipated games on the calendar: the Border War.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Tigers will head to Kansas City to face longtime rival Kansas at T-Mobile Center - a neutral-site showdown that always brings fireworks. But before looking ahead to that one, Missouri has to take care of business in South Bend.
What’s Next on the Schedule?
Here’s a look at what’s coming up for Missouri after Tuesday’s trip to Notre Dame:
- Dec. 7 vs. Kansas* (Kansas City, Mo.) - ESPN2
- Dec. 11 vs. Alabama State - SECN+
- Dec. 14 vs. Bethune-Cookman - SEC Network
- Dec. 22 vs. Illinois* (St.
Louis, Mo.) - FS1
(*Neutral-site games)
The nonconference slate has been kind to the Tigers so far, but the next few weeks will tell us a lot more about what kind of team Dennis Gates is working with this season. Tuesday’s game in South Bend is the first big checkpoint - and a chance for Mizzou to show it’s ready for the spotlight.