Missouri vs. Alabama: A Highly Anticipated SEC Matchup
Following a nail-biting overtime victory, the University of Missouri men’s basketball team travels to face the No. 22 University of Alabama Crimson Tide on Tuesday night. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT tip-off and will be broadcast on SEC Network.
About the Tigers
Missouri enters the contest with a 14-6 overall record for the 2025-26 season, boasting a 4-3 record within the SEC. Their recent 88-87 overtime win against Oklahoma was a testament to their resilience, with three players – Mark Mitchell (25 points), T.O. Barrett (21 points), and Jayden Stone (20 points) – each exceeding 20 points.
- Key Player: Mark Mitchell leads the Tigers in both scoring (17.7 points) and rebounding (5.5 rebounds) and ranks second in assists (3.2).
- Double-Digit Scorers: Jayden Stone (15.4 points) and Jacob Crews (11.3 points) consistently contribute to the offensive effort.
- Playmaking: Anthony Robinson II leads the team with 3.6 assists per game, while Shawn Phillips Jr. anchors the defense with a team-best 1.6 blocks per game.
- Offensive Stats: The Tigers average 81.1 points per game while holding opponents to 73.0.
About the Crimson Tide
Alabama currently holds a 13-6 overall record and is ranked No. 23 in national polls. Their SEC record stands at 3-3, having recently fallen to Tennessee with a score of 79-73.
- Leading Scorer: Labaron Philon spearheads the Crimson Tide’s offense with an impressive 22.2 points per game, complemented by 5.0 assists.
- Supporting Cast: Aden Holloway adds 17.7 points and 3.6 assists, while Amari Allen contributes 11.7 points and a team-leading 7.8 rebounds per game.
- Offensive & Defensive Stats: Alabama boasts a potent offense averaging 92.1 points, but their defense allows an average of 82.4 points.
Series History
Alabama holds a 15-8 advantage in a series dating back to 1977. Historically, the home team has dominated, winning seven of the last eight regular-season meetings. Missouri has only secured one win at Alabama (in 2018). However, last season, the Tigers delivered a stunning 110-98 victory over No. 4 Alabama at Mizzou Arena, with Mark Mitchell leading the charge with 31 points – a record-breaking performance for an SEC game.
Coaches vs. Cancer
The Mizzou coaching staff will participate in Suits and Sneakers Week to support the NABC Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, a cause started by former Mizzou head coach Norm Stewart in 1993. Since its inception, the NABC has raised over $179 million for the American Cancer Society. Learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer.
Close Games Define the Season
This season has been characterized by incredibly close contests for Missouri. All seven of their SEC games have been within four points in the final two minutes, with five decided by a single possession in the last minute. Through seven SEC games, Mizzou has outscored opponents by a mere single point (532-531).
Dramatic Buzzer Beaters
The recent overtime win against Oklahoma was fueled by two incredible buzzer-beating shots. Trent Pierce tied the game with a 3-pointer from beyond the logo, and Mark Mitchell sealed the victory with a clutch triple as time expired. These buzzer beaters were the first for Mizzou since DeAndre Gholston’s heroics against Tennessee in 2023.
T.O. Barrett: A Rising Star
T.O. Barrett has emerged as a key player for the Tigers. In his first collegiate start, he scored a career-high 21 points – the most by a Tiger making their debut since Frankie Hughes in 2016. Over the last four games, Barrett is averaging 13.5 points while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. He’s scored in double figures in three of those games, a significant improvement from his previous 35 career games.
A Trio of 20-Point Scorers
The win against Oklahoma showcased Missouri’s offensive firepower, with Barrett, Mitchell, and Stone all scoring 20+ points. This marked the first time since 2016 that the Tigers had three players reach this milestone in a single game, and they are the first SEC team to achieve this feat this season.
Mark Mitchell: The Versatile Leader
Mark Mitchell continues to be a dominant force for Missouri, averaging a team-best 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, while also ranking second in assists with 3.2. He’s aiming to be the first Tiger since Anthony Peeler in 1992 to average 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a season.
The Magic Number: 73
Missouri’s success is closely tied to their scoring output. They are undefeated (14-0) when scoring at least 73 points, but have struggled (0-6) when failing to reach that mark. The Tigers average 80.7 points per game, scoring 87.9 in wins and 65.0 in losses.
