COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri is set to take on No. 22 Florida in its first SEC game of the season this Saturday night at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers are hoping that a new year will bring a fresh start as they look to improve their performance after a difficult December.

Missouri’s recent loss to Illinois was one of the most disappointing games under head coach Dennis Gates, with the Tigers falling 91-48. The team struggled offensively, shooting just 29% from the field and being out-rebounded 43 to 24. Missouri finished the month of December with a 2-3 record, which has left many fans and players looking for a strong turnaround.

One of the highlights of the previous season was Missouri’s upset victory over then-No. 5 Florida on the road in January. A similar win this weekend could provide a significant boost to the team’s confidence and overall resume. However, the challenge ahead is formidable, especially with Florida’s deep roster featuring three towering players: Alex Condon (6-foot-11), Rueben Chinyelu (6-foot-10), and Thomas Haugh (6-foot-9).

The return of key players like forward Trent Pierce and guard Jayden Stone is expected to give Missouri an edge. Both have been sidelined due to injuries, with Pierce making his long-awaited debut and Stone returning after missing time before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, forward Jevon Porter will miss his second consecutive game due to a leg injury, adding to the challenges the team faces.

“I’m just happy now that we have two experienced perimeter players returning,” Gates said. “Everything looks a little bit different. All the problems aren’t solved. They’re not. But we look a little bit different.”

Missouri had a size advantage in non-conference play, but Florida’s physicality and depth present a different challenge. Forward Mark Mitchell acknowledged the importance of matching the Gators’ energy and physicality.

“They got huge, huge guys down there in Condon and Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh, just play super hard,” Mitchell said. “So just matching the physicality, matching their energy, the whole game is gonna be most important.”

Live Updates

Halftime Stats

HALF: Missouri 39, Florida 39

Trent Pierce hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to tie the game at halftime. Florida coach Todd Golden appeared to challenge the shot, but it stood as a three for Missouri. The Tigers went on a 10-4 run in the final 4:35 of the half, keeping the game competitive.

2:04 – Missouri 35, Florida 35

Mark Mitchell delivered a standout performance, blocking a shot from Thomas Haugh and following it up with a layup to tie the game.

5:31

True freshman Nicholas Randall made his debut, entering the game for the first time. Coach Dennis Gates expressed confidence in Randall’s potential to help the team secure wins in the SEC.

6:43 – Missouri 26, Florida 31

Anthony Robinson II found T.O. Barrett open for a layup, cutting the deficit to two points. However, Thomas Haugh responded with a three-pointer, shifting the momentum back to Florida.

9:28 – Missouri 21, Florida 24

Missouri’s perimeter shooting remained inconsistent, but they managed to keep the game within reach. The Tigers were shooting 50% from three-point range, with Mark Mitchell hitting one to narrow the gap.

13:19 – Missouri 11, Florida 17

The game turned physical, with Florida benefiting from the intensity. Missouri managed to score a three-pointer from Anthony Robinson II, but the Gators added six points in the paint during the same stretch.

15:52 – Missouri 8, Florida 13

Jayden Stone made an immediate impact upon his return, scoring all of Missouri’s points so far. He started with a fast-break dunk and later hit two of three three-point attempts.

16:36

Trent Pierce entered the game for the first time, replacing Jacob Crews.

Pre Game

Starting Lineups

Missouri
– G Anthony Robinson II
– G Jayden Stone
– F Mark Mitchell
– F Jacob Crews
– C Shawn Phillips Jr.

Florida
– G Boogie Fland
– G Xavian Lee
– F Thomas Haugh
– F Alex Condon
– C Rueben Chinyelu

How to Watch

Who: Missouri (10-3) vs. Florida (9-4)

What: Missouri’s first conference game of the season.

When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Mizzou Arena

TV: SEC Network

Radio: Tiger Radio Network (Play-By-Play: Mike Kelly, Color: Chris Gervino)

SiriusXM: Florida – 145, Missouri – 374

Series: Florida leads 12-5

Last Time Out, Missouri

Missouri suffered a tough loss to No. 20 Illinois, recording its lowest-scoring game under Gates. The team shot just 29% from the field and was out-rebounded 43 to 24.

Missouri Stat Leaders

• Points: Mark Mitchell (17.2 on 58.6 FG%)
• Rebounds: Mark Mitchell (5.8)
• Assists: Anthony Robinson II (3.4 with 1.8 turnovers)

Florida Stat Leaders

• Points: Thomas Haugh (16.7 on 47.3 FG%)
• Rebounds: Rueben Chinyelu (10.9)
• Assists: Alex Condon (3.7 with 2.8 turnovers)