COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri men’s basketball team battled for 40 minutes with nationally-ranked Tennessee but ultimately dropped a hard-fought contest, 67-72, against the No. 5 Volunteers in Tuesday night’s Southeastern Conference matchup.
Graduate guard Sean East II led Mizzou (8-18, 0-13 SEC) on the offensive end of the floor, finishing the contest with 24 points and a game-high six assists. Graduate forward Noah Carter added 20 points to go along with seven rebounds, while graduate guard Nick Honor also chipped in 10 points.
Things started slowly for both offenses, as both sides combined for only six made field goals in the first 12 minutes. Neither team was able to put together a run of more than four points, and both squads combined for 14 turnovers.
The offenses picked up towards the end of the opening period, including an 11-3 run by the Tigers that was punctuated by a second-chance three-pointer from East, helping MU to a lead of three, 29-26, at the break.
Missouri extended its lead to as many as seven points, 42-35, and held its advantage in the upset bid until the midway point of the second half. However, a 21-5 run by the No. 5 Volunteers put the visitors in front by 13, 67-54, as they secured the five-point victory.
Mizzou shot 37.5 percent from the floor and converted 15-of-21 shots from the free throw line. Tennessee shot 42.1 percent overall with a 55.6 percent clip in the second half.
UP NEXT
The Tigers travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for a rematch with the Razorbacks. First tip from Bud Walton Arena is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2.
