Missouri riding major momentum into date with Long Island

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th December, 12:52 2024

Dec 8, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) celebrates after a play against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

After sliding to an 8-24 finish a year ago, Missouri is enjoying a bounce-back season to this point.

The Tigers (8-1) gained momentum by upsetting then-No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday and will try to build on that Saturday when Long Island (4-8) visits Columbia, Mo.

Tamar Bates, who leads Missouri with a 14.1 scoring average, earned SEC Player of the Week honors after scoring 29 points against the Jayhawks. Mark Mitchell, who averages 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, added 17 points and three blocked shots.

Although he is shooting just 25 percent from 3-point range this season, Mitchell hit the pivotal corner 3-pointer with 2:03 left as the Tigers held off a late Kansas charge.

"That's what confidence is," Missouri coach Dennis Gates said. "He made a big-time play. He believed in himself. It's the confidence that we talk about. ... We want guys to play like that. They do it in practice, and they believe in themselves."

Missouri is still without guard Caleb Grill, who is averaging 13.6 points per game. He has missed the last two games with a neck injury that could sideline him for additional weeks.

Anthony Robinson II emerged as a floor leader in Grill's absence. After averaging just 3.9 points as a freshman, he is averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds this season.

The Sharks struggled to a 10-48 record in their first two seasons under coach Rod Strickland. But this season they have earned notable non-conference victories at Air Force and Charlotte.

Strickland, who played in the NBA from 1988-2005, is trying to make the most of his first collegiate head coaching opportunity.

"Being a basketball player all my life -- growing, learning, being a player, being an executive at the NBA office -- I've always wanted to help and develop young people," Strickland told the MSG Network earlier this month. "So I got a great opportunity at (LIU). This is my third season and I'm looking forward to a great season in the NEC."

Malachi Davis, an Arizona State transfer, leads the Sharks in scoring with 17.5 per game. He poured in a season-high 31 against Charlotte. Jamal Fuller is averaging 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

--Field Level Media

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