Mizzou Returns to Action at South Carolina: Can the Tigers Keep the Momentum Rolling?
After a week off, Missouri men's basketball is back on the court this Saturday, heading to Columbia, South Carolina, for a noon CT showdown with the Gamecocks on SEC Network. The Tigers are looking to build on recent success, and there’s plenty to like about how they’re trending-especially if they can keep hitting their magic number.
Tigers at a Glance: Balanced, Fast, and Dangerous When They Hit 73
Missouri comes into this matchup with a 15-7 overall record and a solid 5-4 mark in SEC play. They’re fresh off an 84-79 win over Mississippi State, and the formula for victory has been pretty clear: score 73 or more, and good things happen.
In fact, Mizzou is undefeated (15-0) when they hit that threshold. When they don’t?
They’re 0-7. That’s not just a trend-it’s a defining line between wins and losses.
This team can fill it up, averaging 80.4 points per game. But they also give up 74.0, so it’s not just about scoring-it’s about doing it efficiently and consistently.
Mark Mitchell: The Engine That Makes Mizzou Go
Senior forward Mark Mitchell has been the steady hand and versatile force behind Missouri’s offense all season. He leads the team with 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while also chipping in 3.3 assists-second-best on the team. That kind of all-around production isn’t easy to find, and Mitchell is on pace to become the first Tiger since Anthony Peeler in 1991-92 to average at least 17 points, five boards, and three assists in a season.
Nationally, he’s one of just 11 players to have crossed the 375-point, 120-rebound, and 70-assist marks this year. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s doing it efficiently, shooting 53.7% from the field (third in the SEC) and ranking among the top 20 in the country in free-throw attempts. When Mitchell is aggressive and in rhythm, Missouri is tough to beat.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Mitchell may be the headliner, but he’s got help. Jayden Stone is averaging 14.6 points per game, providing steady scoring on the wing.
Jacob Crews adds 10.8 a night, giving Mizzou a third double-digit scorer. Anthony Robinson II leads the team in assists (3.4 per game), while Shawn Phillips Jr. anchors the paint with a team-high 1.5 blocks.
And then there’s sophomore T.O. Barrett-who’s been a revelation over the last few weeks.
T.O. Barrett’s Breakout Stretch
Barrett has flipped the script on his college career in a matter of weeks. After scoring in double figures just once in his first 35 games, he’s now hit that mark in five of the last six. That includes a career-high 21 points in his first collegiate start on Jan. 24-an effort that marked the most by a Tiger in their first start since 2016.
Over this six-game stretch, Barrett is averaging 13.8 points while shooting an impressive 54.8% from the field and 81.8% from the line. On the season, he’s up to 7.4 points and 2.6 assists per game. If he keeps this up, Missouri’s depth becomes even more dangerous.
Shooting the Three: The Swing Stat
Missouri’s three-point shooting has been a major indicator of success. When they hit at least 34% from deep, they’re undefeated (11-0).
When they don’t? They’re 4-7.
That’s a stark contrast, and it shows just how important perimeter efficiency is to this team’s identity.
In wins, Mizzou is shooting a scorching 38.5% from beyond the arc. In losses?
Just 27.2%. It’s not just about volume-it’s about quality looks and knocking them down.
Free Throws: The Quiet Difference Maker
Another area where the Tigers separate themselves is at the charity stripe. In SEC play, they’re 5-1 when making at least 13 free throws, but 0-3 when they don’t reach that number.
The math checks out: in their five conference wins, they’re averaging 20.2 makes at the line. In their four SEC losses, that number drops to 13.8.
Getting to the line-and converting-isn’t just a bonus for this team. It’s a necessity.
Scouting South Carolina: Searching for a Spark
The Gamecocks come in at 11-12 overall and 2-8 in SEC play, riding a four-game losing streak. Most recently, they fell 84-75 at Texas on Tuesday. Despite the record, South Carolina has some offensive firepower, with four players averaging double figures.
Meechie Johnson leads the way with 16.5 points and 4.3 assists per game. Mike Sharavjamts adds 10.8 points and a team-high 5.4 rebounds, giving the Gamecocks a versatile frontcourt presence. As a team, they score 77.3 points per game and allow 75.3-so expect a high-paced, high-scoring affair.
Series Snapshot: Home Court Matters
This will be the 20th meeting between Mizzou and South Carolina, with the Tigers holding a narrow 10-9 edge. Interestingly, the home team has won 13 of the 18 prior matchups, including eight of the last ten. That bodes well for South Carolina, but Mizzou’s recent dominance in the series can’t be ignored.
Last season, the Tigers ran away with a 101-71 win at Mizzou Arena-six players scored in double figures, and it marked their largest margin of victory over any SEC team in 12 years.
What to Watch For
This game comes down to a few key factors:
- Can Mizzou hit the 73-point mark?
- Will they knock down threes at a clip above 34%?
- Can they get to the free-throw line and convert?
If the Tigers check those boxes, they’re in great shape to pick up another SEC road win. With Mitchell leading the charge, Barrett surging, and the rest of the rotation finding its rhythm, Missouri is starting to look like a team that could make real noise down the stretch.
But road games in the SEC are never easy-and South Carolina, despite its struggles, has the talent to make things interesting. Tipoff is set for noon CT. Let’s see if the Tigers can keep their February rolling in the right direction.