NASHVILLE — With a tough task in back-to-back road games, the University of Missouri men’s basketball team could not overcome foul troubles against Vanderbilt as the Commodores took the win 70-62, Tuesday evening.
Javon Pickett returned to the court after missing the last two games with injury, with a team-high 15 points. Pickett also added two rebounds, an assist and a block. Kobe Brown was the Tigers next leading scorer, finishing just shy of a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
TURNING POINT
After struggling with consistent shots in the first half, Mizzou fought back in the second. The Tigers matched Vanderbilt in the opening minutes, down five at half. Mizzou’s offense then clicked making eight-straight field goals in the midst of a 19-4 scoring stretch, where Mizzou took a 55-54 lead.
Vanderbilt then locked down on the Tigers’ offense and ended the game on a 9-0 run, including seven free throws. DaJuan Gordon hit a late three to pull the game back within six, but Vanderbilt closed out the game on another set of free throws.
GAME NOTES
- Kaleb Brown had another solid outing for the Tigers, with a career-high seven points. Brown also had a personal-best two three-pointers, both in the second half.
- Vanderbilt now evens the all-time series at 7 each. The Commodores snapped a four-game win streak of Mizzou against Vanderbilt.
- Mizzou shot 46.9 percent the second half, including 35 percent from three.
- Kaleb Brown and Ronnie DeGray III tied for a team-best three assists each.
- As a team, the Tigers had six blocks, marking the sixth time this season they have had six or more.
- Half of Missouri’s points came from its bench, with 31 bench points. It was the fourth time this season the Tigers have had 30 or more points from its reserves.
UP NEXT
Mizzou returns home for its second-meeting of the season against Ole Miss, Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.. The game will serve as the Tigers Rally for Rhyan game and will be broadcast on SEC Network.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For all the latest information on Mizzou Men’s Basketball, please visit MUTigers.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Tigers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @MizzouHoops. Fans should call 1-800-CAT-PAWS for tickets or buy online today!
