Mizzou Basketball Finds Itself Back on the Bubble - and the Stakes Are Rising
For the first time in a long while, Missouri Basketball is dancing on the edge of March Madness - not in it, not out of it, but squarely on the bubble. And if you’re a Tigers fan, this is both exciting and nerve-wracking territory.
The last time Mizzou was truly in this position? You’d have to go back to 2011.
Since then, every NCAA Tournament appearance has come with a bit more certainty - typically as a 9-seed or better, which doesn’t exactly scream “bubble team.”
But here we are. With eight games left in the regular season, the Tigers are sitting at 16-7 overall and 6-4 in the SEC.
That’s not a lock, but it’s definitely a resume that keeps them in the conversation. If they can string together a strong finish, they’ve got a legitimate shot at making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the 2012-2013 season.
Let’s dig into the numbers - because that’s where the picture gets a little murkier. Missouri currently checks in at No. 61 in the NET rankings and No. 52 on KenPom.
Those aren’t bad, but they’re not exactly breathing room either. The Tigers are 2-4 in Quad 1 games and 3-3 in Quad 2 - a mixed bag that puts them right on the edge in most bracket projections.
According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Mizzou is currently listed among the “First Four Out.” That means they’re close - tantalizingly close - but still have work to do. The margin for error is thin, and every possession from here on out matters.
So what’s the path forward? It starts with defending home court.
Mizzou needs to continue taking care of business at Mizzou Arena - no slip-ups, no letdowns. And on top of that, they’ll need to steal at least one more win on the road.
That’s the kind of résumé boost that selection committees notice, especially when it comes in a hostile SEC environment.
The Tigers have talent, they’ve shown flashes, and they’ve put themselves in position. Now it’s about consistency, execution, and grit. Because when you’re living on the bubble, there’s no such thing as a meaningless game.
The question now shifts to the fanbase: what do you think it’ll take? How many wins down the stretch will be enough to punch that ticket to the Big Dance?
Mizzou’s season is entering crunch time - and every bounce of the ball could be the one that makes the difference.