Tigers Show Bursts of Potential Against #18 Kentucky

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Despite the final result, the University of Missouri men’s basketball team showed several bursts of potential against #18 Kentucky, Wednesday evening in an 83-56 loss in Rupp Arena. The Tigers had multiple opportunities in the second half, keeping the game within 10, before Kentucky went on a run in the final six minutes of the game to secure the victory.

Jarron Coleman led the Tigers for the second-consecutive game off the bench, tying for a team-high 10 points including a pair of three pointers. Coleman tied a season-best five rebounds in addition to three assists. Amari Davis joined Coleman in double-digit scoring with 10 points.

“I think we’re learning to fight,” said assistant coach Cornell Mann. “I challenge someone to have a tougher month of basketball than Mizzou. I think our schedule is tough, and that’s the way we want it. It’s building character on the floor for us.”

Cornell Mann served as the acting head coach for Mizzou, with head coach Cuonzo Martin being out due to health & safety protocols.

TURNING POINT

After being down 17 at half, Mizzou came out firing to open the second period in Lexington with a 9-1 run and cutting the Wildcats’ lead to nine, 45-36. The Tigers continued to hang around within 11 until Kentucky went on a 14-0 run that proved to be too much for Missouri to bounce back from.  Mizzou had two separate runs of eight or more unanswered points.  

GAME NOTES

• Brazile continues to impress in just the beginning of his career, leading the team with five rebounds and two blocks.
• The freshman has 13 blocks through five games, and has recorded multiple blocks in his last four games.
• Mizzou is 0-6 all-time in Rupp Arena, as both all-time wins against the Wildcats have come under Cuonzo Martin at home in Columbia.
• Kentucky entered Wednesday’s game leading the country in rebounding margin (17.1) as Mizzou fought hard, 49-35, including a 20-19 advantage on the boards in the first half.
• Sean Durugordon played a career-high 11 minutes with six points, including five in the first half.
• Mizzou cut down its turnovers dramatically in the second half, after struggling to contain the ball in the first. The Tigers had 12 first half turnovers compared to just two in the second.

UP NEXT

With three of its last four games against top-25 teams in the NET, Mizzou’s continues SEC play with a scheduled game against Mississippi State Wednesday, Jan. 5. The game is set for an 8 p.m. tip off on SEC Network.

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