Pickett’s Career-Night Not Enough In Narrow Road Loss

COLUMBIA, S.C — Behind a career night from Javon Pickett, the University of Missouri men’s basketball team fought back from a halftime deficit to play into the final seconds at South Carolina Tuesday, but ultimately fell, 73-69, to the Gamecocks.

Pickett recorded 23 points on eight made field goals, including a pair of three-pointers, besting his previous career high of 21, set at South Carolina in his freshman season. Kobe Brown joined Pickett in double figures with 19 points for his 15th double-digit scoring performance of the season.

Trevon Brazile also had a highlight night, just shy of his first career double-double, scoring nine points and boasted by a personal-best nine rebounds.  

TURNING POINT
Down by as much as 14 in the second half, an 8-0 Mizzou run and pair of free throws by Javon Pickett brought Mizzou all the way back within one, 58-55, with under two minutes left to play. South Carolina answered on the other end with a three-point play to stay ahead by four. Mizzou continued to make late shots, finishing the game sinking its last three shot attempts, but South Carolina secured the game on several made free throws.

GAME NOTES

• Pickett recorded his 14th-consecutive conference game in double-digits as he reached 20+ points for the second time in his career.
• Kobe Brown’s 19 points marked his 15th double-digit performance of the season, and was just the second loss this season for Mizzou when Brown scored 15 or more points.
• After being down 12-10 on points in the paint at the half, Mizzou reset and won the battle in the paint 32-26.
• The Tigers’ were just edged on boards, 40-39.

UP NEXT
Missouri has its final game of the regular season, Saturday, March 5 as the Tigers host Georgia. The game is slated for a 2:30 p.m. tip on SEC Network. Mizzou will honor its lone senior, Javon Pickett, prior to the start of the game. Fans should call 1-800-CAT-PAWS for tickets or buy online today!

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