Mizzou Tigers basketball can’t finish in 71-59 loss at Kentucky in SEC opener
The Missouri Tigers started hot, but the Kentucky Wildcats were too much.
Mizzou (8-5, 0-1 SEC) built an early lead Saturday at Rupp Arena, including an efficient 7 of 13 start from the field. But the Tigers faltered when the shots stopped falling and Kentucky (10-3, 1-0) pulled away for a 71-59 victory.
While the Tigers stuck around early in the second half, Kentucky muscled its way to separation and a double-digit lead. The 71 Wildcats points were the second-highest total Mizzou allowed this season.
“(Kentucky) got their heads up,” MU coach Cuonzo Martin said after Mizzou’s strong start. “Got a couple transition baskets. What we were doing offensively, driving the ball, making the right play, making the right decision, I thought we got a little careless with the ball.”
Aside from an early burst when the Tigers got to the basket, Mizzou’s offense stalled. It shot 36.2% (21 of 58) from the field.
Kentucky also struggled against the Missouri defense. The Wildcats shot 41.7% (20 for 48).
The difference in score ended in the free throw disparity. The Wildcats also outrebounded the Tigers 37-31, a point of emphasis for Martin.
Fouls were an issue for Mizzou, which was called for 28. Kentucky converted on 27 of 30 free throws. Mizzou finished 11 of 17 from the line.
Forward Jeremiah Tilmon made his return Saturday after missing the Chicago State win. He didn’t start and foul trouble also bogged him down.
The pair of Kentucky forward Nick Richards and guard Immanuel Quickley were troublesome for the Tigers. Richards scored 17 points in the first half, finishing with 21. Quickley scored 23 on 5 of 9 shots.
The Tigers return home to Mizzou Arena for a 6 p.m. Tuesday game against Tennessee.
“They did a good job of getting to the rim,” Martin said of Kentucky. “That’s what they do. They drive the ball.”
This story was originally published January 4, 2020 at 3:22 PM.