Game at a Glance
After each Tiger game, we take a look at the highs and lows. Here's the report from Thursday's 81-76 loss to Lipscomb.
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TURNING POINT: K.J. Walton scored six straight points to give Missouri a 65-60 lead and cap an 11-0 run for the Tigers with 6:47 to play. The teams traded baskets before Lipscomb scored nine straight points in a 3:52 span. The Tigers would get within one again, but would never tie or lead in the final 4:22.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Josh Williams made two free throws to put Lipscomb up 77-72 with 30 seconds left. After that it was desperation threes from a team that can't make threes even in good circumstances. Those free throws immediately followed Mizzou going 2/6 from the line (Russell Woods 0/2, Kevin Puryear and Jordan Geist each 1/2) and failing to draw any closer than three points.
CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM: There isn't any. Missouri has lost three guarantee games and is 5-7. There is nothing to feel good about after this game.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN: On top of the fact that Missouri just lost to a 6-9 (now 7-9) Atlantic Sun team whose best previous win was over Morehead State, Willie Jackson became the 13th player to be dismissed or transfer out in two-and-a-half years under Kim Anderson and despite what the coach said after the game it seems possible to very likely that fellow freshman Frankie Hughes will follow. This year is over. It's not about this year. But losing those players could delay the rebuilding process after 2017.
STOCK UP: Being kind, guys named Jordan. Jordan Geist got his first career start and scored a team-high 18 points in 35 minutes. Jordan Barnett got his first career start and contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds in 33 minutes.
STOCK DOWN: Guys not named Jordan. That's a little harsh. There were some good things. But talking about good things after a home loss to Lipscomb--which follows home losses to North Carolina Central and Eastern Illinois--is hollow and, frankly, feels dishonest.
UP NEXT: Missouri plays LSU at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4th at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers from Baton Rouge are 8-4 after a home loss to Vanderbilt on Thursday night in the SEC opener for both teams.