Mizzou Hoops Keeps NCAA Tournament Hopes Alive with Convincing Road Win
Missouri basketball isn’t out of the woods yet - but they’re still very much in the hunt. The Tigers picked up a crucial 78-59 win on the road against South Carolina on Saturday, a result that keeps their NCAA Tournament dreams alive and kicking as we hit the stretch run of the season.
Let’s be clear: this was a must-have. With blemishes already dotting Missouri’s tournament resume, there’s no room for slip-ups - especially not in winnable games like this one. Road victories carry weight in March, and this one could loom large if the Tigers find themselves sitting on the bubble come Selection Sunday.
With the win, Mizzou improves to 16-7 overall and 6-4 in SEC play. That puts them in solid position heading into mid-February, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.
According to the latest bracketology projections, Missouri is clinging to one of the final at-large spots. CBS Sports currently lists the Tigers among the “Last Four In,” setting up a potential First Four matchup in Dayton against Saint Mary’s.
The Field of 68 has a similar outlook, projecting Missouri to face California in that same First Four scenario.
Translation? Every game from here on out matters. A lot.
Saturday’s upcoming matchup against Texas could be a turning point. The Longhorns sit just ahead of Mizzou in the pecking order, and a win at home over another bubble team would be a statement - both to the committee and to themselves. That one’s circled on the calendar for good reason.
Before that, though, the Tigers have to handle business on the road again. They’ll travel to College Station for a tough test against Texas A&M on Tuesday night (8:00 p.m.
CST, SEC Network). The Aggies are always a tough out at home, and Mizzou will need to bring the same energy and execution they showed in Columbia this past weekend.
KenPom projections currently have the Tigers finishing the regular season at 19-12 overall and 9-9 in conference play. That would put them right in the thick of bubble territory - and likely needing at least one win in the SEC Tournament to feel secure about their chances. In other words, there’s still work to do.
Beyond Basketball: Mizzou Athletics Making Noise
It’s been a big week for Mizzou sports beyond the hardwood, too.
Drew Lock, one of Mizzou’s most recognizable football alums, added a Super Bowl ring to his resume. While he didn’t start under center, Lock joins the exclusive club of former Mizzou quarterbacks with a championship ring - a silver lining in what’s been an emotional year for him following the passing of his father, Andy, in April. A well-earned moment of celebration for a True Son.
Meanwhile, Mizzou Gymnastics delivered one of the most impressive performances in program history, knocking off No. 2 Florida in a statement win.
The Tigers are now ranked inside the Top 10 in every event - a first for the program and a testament to the depth and consistency across the roster. This team isn’t just good - they’re legit contenders.
Photo Finish: A Look Around Mizzou Athletics
Track and Field hosted the Missouri Invitational, Women’s Basketball battled Georgia, and the gymnastics squad celebrated their historic win - all captured in a series of standout photos from the week. Whether it’s on the mat, the court, or the track, there’s no shortage of energy around Mizzou athletics right now.
What’s Next
For the men’s hoops team, the focus is simple: survive and advance. Every game is an audition for March, and with the bubble as crowded as ever, Missouri will need to stack wins and avoid missteps.
The road win over South Carolina was a good start. Now they’ll look to build on it - one possession, one game at a time.
The postseason picture is far from settled, but one thing’s clear: Mizzou’s still in it. And as long as they are, the next few weeks promise to be must-watch basketball.