Mizzou Shoots the Lights Out, Handles Auburn 84-74 to Climb to 3-1 in SEC Play
Missouri found its rhythm and then some Tuesday night, putting together a sharp-shooting performance to take down Auburn 84-74 at Mizzou Arena. With the win, the Tigers improve to 13-4 overall and move to 3-1 in SEC play, while Auburn drops to 10-7 on the season.
This was a game where Missouri’s offense didn’t just show up - it took over. After a shaky start, the Tigers locked in and never looked back, riding efficient scoring and timely defense to a statement win in front of their home crowd.
Jayden Stone Sets the Tone
Graduate guard Jayden Stone was the catalyst for Mizzou, delivering a composed, high-efficiency performance. He poured in 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Stone also chipped in six rebounds and three assists, doing a little bit of everything while keeping the offense humming.
When the game needed poise, Stone provided it. Whether it was slicing through the lane or knocking down free throws late, his veteran presence was felt all night.
Supporting Cast Steps Up Big
Stone wasn’t alone in carrying the load. Senior Mark Mitchell added 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with five rebounds and a team-high five assists. Mitchell was especially effective in transition, and his ability to finish through contact helped Mizzou build momentum early in the second half.
Junior Trent Pierce had one of the best games of his career, tying his personal best with five made threes en route to an 18-point night on 6-of-8 shooting. He also handed out three assists and came up with a key steal late that led to a dagger triple - a sequence that helped Missouri push its lead to double digits when Auburn was threatening.
Sophomore T.O. Barrett added a career-high 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting, showing off his efficiency and energy on both ends. He also tallied three assists and picked up two steals, giving Missouri a spark off the bench.
Early Struggles, Then the Offense Caught Fire
Things didn’t start smoothly for Mizzou. Auburn’s defense came out aggressive, forcing Missouri to miss 10 of its first 11 shots and jumping out to a 12-5 lead. But the home team didn’t panic.
Pierce was the one who lit the fuse, converting an and-one and then drilling a three to pull Mizzou within one. That sequence kickstarted a surge that saw Missouri hit nine of its final 10 shots in the first half. By the time the buzzer sounded for halftime, the Tigers had flipped the script and taken a 38-34 lead.
Second-Half Surge Seals It
Missouri came out of the locker room locked in. A block by Shawn Phillips Jr. led to a Mitchell layup, and moments later Mitchell converted a three-point play to extend the lead to nine. That quick 5-0 burst set the tone for the rest of the half.
Auburn made a push midway through the second, trimming the lead to three, but Missouri answered with a 6-0 run, capped by another Pierce triple. The two teams traded buckets for much of the half, but Missouri’s ability to get stops and convert on the other end - especially from deep - proved to be the difference.
When Auburn cut the lead to four with three minutes left, Missouri didn’t flinch. They closed the game out like a veteran squad, going 5-for-6 from the line in the final moments to ice the win.
By the Numbers
Missouri was lights out offensively, shooting 56.3% from the field and 9-of-19 from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting - especially with the balance they showed across the roster - is tough to beat.
Auburn, meanwhile, couldn’t keep pace. They shot just 40.7% from the floor and struggled from deep, connecting on only 6-of-21 from three-point range.
What’s Next
With three conference wins under their belt and the offense clicking, Missouri is building momentum in SEC play. If they continue to get this kind of production from their core - and if Pierce keeps shooting like this - they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the league.