Torrence Watson breaks Mizzou Arena record for threes in Tigers’ blowout victory
As Missouri Tigers guard Torrence Watson struggled through a season-long shooting slump, he leaned on fellow sharp-shooting guard Mark Smith for guidance.
Despite making three-pointers in practice, they weren’t falling for Watson in games. After shooting 36.1% from three as a freshman last season, Watson’s average plummeted to 19.6% heading into Monday’s game against Chicago State. Mired in a slide, Watson started to put in harder work about three weeks ago.
That meant making “at least 500 shots” per day alongside Smith outside of practice. It wasn’t just putting up shots, but also the little things — from hitting the weight room to proper diet and rest. Watson said it was an effort to recreate his strong finish to last season, when he scored in double figures in five of his last six games.
“The slump it helped me, honestly,” Watson said. “It’s not something you hear about a lot often, but it definitely helped me work harder.”
The extra effort paid off: Watson made 8 of 13 three-pointers in a red-hot performance Monday. As the Tigers dominated Chicago State 91-33, Watson set the Mizzou Arena record for three-pointers in a game.
“To me, it felt like I couldn’t miss,” Watson said. “Honestly, out there, if I would’ve shot from half court it might’ve been in. It’s a great feeling, especially when you’re on.”
It was the type of breakout game Watson’s teammates waited for all season as the guard worked through his slump. While Watson started the game 0 for 3 from three — including an air ball — his teammates kept feeding him the ball.
Watson pointed out how Chicago State guarded the corner three poorly, which meant he was an easy target for his point guards. Watson scored a career-high 24 points.
“When you got a guy that’s feeling it like that, you have to find him every chance you can,” MU guard Dru Smith said. “On the break, in the half court. Any time you can get him the ball, you get it to him.”
Though it wasn’t just Watson on Monday. The Tigers (8-4) shot a season-high 51.6% from three (16 for 31) against the Cougars.
The ability to make three-pointers proves valuable for Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin’s team. With viable outside threats, they spread the floor for forward Jeremiah Tilmon in the paint, including less concern of opposing double teams. It also makes it easier for guards to drive the ball as defenders can’t sag off their assignments.
In losses, Mizzou shoots 23.3% from three as other poor habits creep to the surface. In wins, the Tigers shoot 32.8% from behind the arc.
“It’s just a different team,” Martin said. “You’re a different team because you have guys who can make plays off the dribble, you have guys who can shoot the ball.”
Watson’s confidence-boosting outing also comes at the perfect time for the Tigers as they prepare for Southeastern Conference play. The victory over Chicago State (4-11) was the final tuneup as Mizzou prepares for potential resume-boosting wins.
Tilmon was sidelined because of soreness in his right foot Monday. But Martin said he “would imagine” Tilmon plays at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kentucky to open up conference play. While Tilmon’s return will be useful, if Watson, Mark Smith and the other guards make outside shots, it’ll provide a different element for the Mizzou offense.
“It just opens up the game for you when you have guys who can make shots,” Martin said. “You have to defend a certain way and that’s hard.”