Missouri Tigers snap 21-game SEC losing streak with basketball win against LSU
All things must come to an end.
For coach Dennis Gates and Mizzou basketball, that’s a good thing.
The Tigers finally snapped their 21-game SEC losing streak on Tuesday, winning 83-67 over LSU in Columbia. It had been 669 days since the MU Tigers won an SEC game, dating back to the 2022-23 season.
“Simply put, yes,” said second-year MU guard Tamar Bates, asked if there was extra meaning to Tuesday’s win. “Y’all was here. It definitely meant a lot.”
The Tigers were given a tough task to open conference play last Saturday, ultimately falling to No. 2 Auburn 84-68, but the losses ended there with LSU entering Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou coasted into halftime with a 42-27 lead, led by sophomore Anthony Robinson’s 12 points in the first half. Robinson finished with 16 points in 31 minutes, his most since he posted a career-high 29 points against California on December 3.
“(Robinson) got out to a great start,” said Gates, who also noted he didn’t speak with the team about the SEC losing streak, not wanting to put that pressure on the players.
“Every game, I’m coming to bring the energy,” Robinson added. “Just coming out, having a great (team) start was key to this win.”
Bates led all players on Tuesday, posting 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting with eight rebounds. Marques Warrick and Mark Mitchell also scored in double-digits, with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Josh Gray was another contributor for the Tigers, despite not seeing a shot fall through the net, as he recorded 10 rebounds. Gates highlighted Gray’s contributions postgame, and also praised Bates for his emphasis on rebounding.
From start to finish, it was a dominant performance.
Mizzou only trailed in the opening minute. The MU Tigers got on the board quickly with a jumper from Bates. From there, Mizzou led by as many as 21 points. LSU inched closer in the second half, but never got closer than 13 points.
“We were able to get to the free throw line (21-for-27), being able to shoot 12-for-25 from 3 is a great stat to have,” Gates said. “But defensively, that’s what I’m proud of. Our guys defended. They communicated. Their energy was available tonight.”
LSU was led by top scorer Cam Carter, who was averaging 17.3 points prior to Tuesday. Carter totaled 16 points (5-of-15 shooting) as LSU shot 42.6% from the field.
“It definitely feels good to get a win in SEC (play),” Robinson said, “and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.”
Up next: Missouri hosts Vanderbilt (13-2, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, January 11, at 2:30 p.m.
This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM.
