Hot-shooting Mizzou hoops thumps South Dakota Coyotes, improves to 6-0: takeaways

The Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team won its sixth game to open the season, routing South Dakota 102-68 on Thursday evening at Mizzou Arena.

An NCAA Tournament participant this past spring, coach Dennis Gates’ Mizzou squad has now beaten non-conference opponents Howard, SEMO, VMI, Minnesota, Prairie View A&M and South Dakota to open the 2025-26 season.

Senior guard Mark Mitchell led the Tigers (6-0) with 22 points and senior forward Jevon Porter added 19 to go with 12 rebounds for his first double-double as a Tiger. Graduate Jacob Crews chipped in 15, Sebastian Mack 13, Jayden Stone 12 and Anthony Robinson II 11.

It’s the second straight game in which Missouri has had six players score in double-figures. Here’s a bit more about the contest, in which Mizzou shot a scorching 64% from the floor:

Early returns: A close contest

The Coyotes (3-3), who had won their past three after starting the year 0-2, came in averaging just under 90 points per game.

The Summit Leaguers wouldn’t get there Thursday but held their own early. The game was knotted at 8-8 with three minutes elapsed.

Then, it looked as though MU would surely pull away, as it was 20-13 at the under-12 timeout. But an 8-0 Coyotes run tested the mettle of Gates’ team and made things interesting throughout the remainder of the opening half.

South Dakota found success against Missouri by playing well in transition and converting turnovers into some easy baskets. Clamping down on that may be a post-game point of emphasis for Gates and his staff.

Tigers shoot the lights out all night

The game was tied at 21-21 and South Dakota led 26-25 when Coyotes guard Vince Buzelis calmly drained a 3-pointer from the wing off the bench. Nice shot, right?

No doubt, but the Tigers kept the spotlight on themselves by shooting 59% from the field in the first half. Mitchell reached double-digits in scoring well before the break, and MU’s shooting as a team would only improve as the evening progressed.

Reserve guard Annor Boateng even scored his first points of the year. He made 1 of 2 free throws and later scored from close range on the floor. Boateng’s signature moment from the game, however, has to be his mammoth block of a Coyotes shot attempt with approximately 5 minutes remaining and MU comfortably ahead 89-58.

The Tigers led 53-42 at halftime.

Getting it done at the free-throw line

Missouri did a good job of drawing contact and fouls and then turning the ensuing free-throw opportunities into points.

The Tigers were 16 of 20 at the line in the first half and finished 24 of 30 there for a stout 80%.

Standouts from this game: Tigers of note

MU’s Porter was in his bag as the intermission neared, scoring a pair of late buckets, including one off a turnover.

He flashed the sort of moves that carried two of his older siblings to the NBA. He looked fluid and in sync with his teammates as the Tigers stretched their lead to 30-plus points.

He had a lot to do with ensuring this one became a blowout. And he finished a perfect 9-for-9 from the field.

South Dakota’s Jordan Crawford was a standout, too — especially in the first half. He had 16 points to lead all scorers at halftime, but a quiet second half saw him finish with 18 overall.

For Mizzou, Mitchell had 11 points and Porter 10 at the intermission.

Closing it out, and what’s next for Missouri

There would be no slow start for Missouri in Thursday’s second half. No chance for South Dakota to hang around.

The Tigers mashed their foot on the gas, with Mitchell throwing down an authoritative dunk off a feed from Robinson. The hosts led by 19, 65-46, at the 15:43 mark ... and that chasm would only widen.

Mizzou returns to the hardwood on Tuesday, playing host to South Carolina State at Mizzou Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 9:14 PM.