As Trent Pierce drained a three-pointer to give Missouri the lead in overtime, it felt like the Tigers might just pull off a win. But basketball is a game of moments, and on the next possession, Missouri missed two crucial rebounds, allowing Arkansas three chances to reclaim the lead.
On the third attempt, they succeeded. Then, Malique Ewin nailed a three-pointer, and you could sense the Tigers were in trouble.
Close games hinge on those small, pivotal plays. In the Sunday column, I vented some frustration about how a few key plays, events, or calls turned the tide in favor of the Razorbacks. Overtime games are especially susceptible to these swings, where any slight shift can send the outcome in a different direction.
Missouri had their moments, like an 11-0 run that flipped an 8-point deficit into a 3-point lead early in the second half. Another 8-0 run turned a 3-point deficit into a 5-point lead with about eight minutes left in regulation, making it seem like the Tigers were gaining control.
They caught a break with Darius Acuff sidelined, leaving Arkansas without their top player. Although Meleek Thomas was impressive, he’s been more prone to tough shots than Acuff all season.
This was Missouri’s chance.
However, after a DJ Wagner layup and a missed driving layup by Mark Mitchell, followed by an Ewin dunk, Arkansas caught up, setting the stage for a tight contest the rest of the way.
If only Missouri had hit a few more threes or if Mark had made that layup. That’s the nature of these games. Arkansas executed just a bit better, hit key shots when needed, and secured crucial offensive rebounds.
Team Stats
Arkansas is known for putting points on the board. According to KenPom.com, they boast the sixth-best offense in the nation.
Their 1.15 points per possession against Missouri was their tenth-worst performance of the season, indicating the Tigers were close. Yet, Arkansas had three other wins with even worse offensive showings.
Shooting 50% from beyond the arc made a significant impact, marking one of their top shooting performances of the season. Missouri did well to challenge Arkansas inside the arc, but the extra field goal attempts and three-point makes balanced it out.
The game saw 76 possessions, but when adjusted for 40 minutes, it was paced around 67 possessions, which suited the Tigers. They managed to slow Arkansas down and even outscored them in transition-a small victory.
Rebounding, however, was a different story. It wasn’t terrible throughout the game, but it was just poor enough to matter.
Two missed rebounds in one overtime possession and another with under two minutes left led to points. The decisive moment came when Missouri forced a crucial free throw miss while down by two, but couldn’t secure the rebound.
Ewin grabbed it, went to the line, and sealed the win with two free throws.
Turnovers weren’t a major issue either, but they were just enough to tip the scales. Missouri actually scored more points off turnovers, 18-15, but given Arkansas’ hot shooting, a few extra possessions could have made the difference.
This game mirrored the one in Fayetteville, just with the home courts swapped.
Individual Stats
The trifecta of Mark Mitchell, Shawn Phillips, and Jayden Stone was key. Mark played a hefty 43 minutes with a 32% usage rate-demanding for any player.
While Brazile, Thomas, and Wagner played even more minutes, they could defer to teammates. Mark handled 24.5 possessions, with 20 field goal attempts, 11 free throw attempts, 4 assists, and 2 turnovers.
You could see fatigue setting in as the game wore on, especially when he was pushed under the rim on a crucial free throw attempt.
Mark needed more support, and Stone and Phillips stepped up. Stone could have used a few more possessions, and while both shot well, their combined seven turnovers hurt their overall efficiency.
This was a game where T.O. Barrett’s impact was missed, and though Trent Pierce played decently, everyone needed to elevate their game. Only three players had a Floor% over 40%, making victory a tough ask.
Trent Burns struggled against Ewin, who dominated around the basket, leading to a -15 in just five minutes of play-a tough substitution to maintain.
Crews couldn’t make a significant impact either, as Arkansas targeted him on switches, playing him off the floor.
It was a disappointing end to a conference season that began with promise but had its share of challenges. Despite this, they secured enough wins to make it back to the NCAA Tournament, which is a success in itself.
By now, the limits of this roster and rotation are clear. Missouri’s success depends on how many players in their tight rotation perform well on any given night. The more, the merrier.