COLUMBIA, Mo. – Junior Tamar Bates scored 29 points, including 23 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win as the Missouri men’s basketball team dropped its conference matchup against rival Arkansas, 91-84. The loss drops Mizzou to 8-13 on the season, with an 0-8 record in conference play, while Arkansas improves to 11-10 on the season and picks up their second conference win, moving them to 2-6.
Bates led the Tigers (8-13, 0-8 SEC) with 29 his fourth 20-plus point performance of the season. He chipped in five steals and went a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity stripe. Sean East II (11) and Anthony Robinson II (10) both finished in double figures for MU with East II dishing out seven assists and Robinson II grabbing three steals of his own.
Connor Vanover made his impact felt early against his former squad, collecting five of the Tiger’s first 10 points, as well as grabbing a pair of boards, as MU found themselves down 12-10 eight minutes into the contest. Mizzou would continue to fight early, using a pair of triples from Noah Carter and five points from East II, but the visitors would maintain distance, using a strong performance in the paint to lead Missouri 35-24 entering the first half’s final media timeout. Arkansas capitalized on a cold stretch from the field for Mizzou in the waning moments of the opening half, going on a 12-2 run to arrive at halftime leading the Tigers, 47-28.
Bates caught fire coming out of the break as MU attempted to slash into the Razorback advantage. In the first five minutes of the half, he logged three buckets and three free throws for the Tigers. More strong play from Bates and free throws from East II and Robinson II would pull Mizzou within 11 but Arkansas would maintain its double-digit lead into the closing seconds en route to the 91-84 victory.
Missouri was outshot in the contest 54 percent to 46 percent. Arkansas also held the advantage in rebounds (35 to 28) and points off turnovers (25 to 15).
UP NEXT
The Tigers hit the road to face Vanderbilt in SEC action. Game time in Nashville is set for 2:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
