Missouri Tigers Basketball: Roaring Through Early Season Matchups
Gather around sports fans, because if you’re not already perched in front of the SEC Network + for Monday night’s clash between the Missouri Tigers and Eastern Washington Eagles, what are you doing with your life? Seriously, weekends are for binge-watching and hiding from responsibilities—but Mondays? They’re for basketball, and this game is shaping up to be one for the books!
Meet the Tigers: A Quick Look
As the University of Missouri men’s basketball team strides into this 10-game homestand, they come with a record of 1-1. After having their hopes dashed at Memphis, they clawed back with a resounding victory over Howard. It’s safe to say, the Tigers have had a bit more bounce in their step this week.
Leading the charge is the stellar Tamar Bates, pouring in a lively 15.0 points per game. Those figures are like catnip for any basketball fan, except, you know, they don’t make you drowsy. Hot on his heels is Anthony Robinson II, with a hefty 14.5 points and the notable distinction of leading the team in assists—4.0 of them, to be exact. As if that wasn’t enough, we have Mark Mitchell, who’s not just scoring but also competing for the team’s best rebounder title with a solid 7.5 boards per game.
However, fret not if you’re not well-versed in basketball jargon, as the Tigers are averaging a smidgen over 76.0 points across their first two games. That’s more than your great aunt Maude averages at bingo night!
The Eagles: Soaring High, But Not Too High
Now, let’s flap our way over to the guests, the Eastern Washington Eagles! With a 1-1 record, they too have tasted the sweet victories and bitter defeats of early season action. They lost to Colorado but had a delightful comeback against Seattle—all this shenanigan In under two games.
Leading the flock is Andrew Cook, who’s pecking his way to 16.0 points per game, accompanied by Nic McClain, who’s not just about sinking baskets but also distributing the rock with 4.5 assists. Collectively, the Eagles are fluttering their way to an average of 74.5 points per game. It’s like a bachelor dinner where they’re all bringing their best dish to share, but let’s hope nobody brings the potato salad… you know, the one with the funky smell.
The History of the Rivalry: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Now, let’s dip into some nostalgia, shall we? This game marks the second meeting between these two teams, the first being a mere 35 years ago. The last time the Tigers squared off against the Eagles was during the 1988-89 season—and let me tell you, a lot has changed. Did you know the internet hadn’t even been invented yet? That’s the type of nostalgic trip we’re talking here. Back then, Doug Smith was the star, leading Missouri to an 81-68 victory. Let’s hope for a similarly fruitful outcome for our Tigers tonight.
The Matchup: A Feast for Stat Lovers
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Missouri has historically feasted upon the Big Sky Conference, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak across six matches. And trust us, the average victory margin is no small potatoes— a whopping 25.7 points! If you’re placing bets, well, the odds seem like a sure thing; that is unless you’re dealing with basketball, where anything can happen—even the last-second airball.
Chasing That Coveted 50-40-90 Club
Now, if you’re a stats junkie (and I know you are), you’ll appreciate how Tamar Bates is eyeing the elusive 50-40-90 club—aka shooting this season like he’s NBA 2K in easy mode. He’s currently at a mind-boggling 52.4% from the field, 42.9% behind the arc, and an icy 100% from the free-throw line. The man’s got more ice in his veins than a polar bear in Antarctica!
Bench Power: Tigers Roaring from the Sidelines
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of the bench. Mizzou has showcased depth this season, averaging a staggering 31.0 points from reserves—yep, that’s right, just a shade over 40% of the total points so far. If there’s an Olympics for bench contributions, Mizzou would be in contention for a gold medal this season!
Final Thoughts: Fast Plays and Free Throws
In closing, if you’re not rooting for the Tigers to outscore the Eagles in transition (42-16 fastbreak points!) and prove their mettle at the free-throw line (averaging 28.0 attempts), you might want to re-evaluate your priorities. Grab your snacks, put on your favorite jersey, and get ready for what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Remember, it’s more than just a game; it’s a moment in the tapestry of collegiate basketball that you won’t want to miss!
This HTML article serves as an engaging commentary on the upcoming basketball game between the Missouri Tigers and Eastern Washington Eagles, utilizing humor and clever observations while emphasizing key statistics and historical context. Enjoy the game!
The University of Missouri men’s basketball team is set to continue their impressive 10-game homestand with an anticipated matchup against Eastern Washington on Monday evening. The game’s tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the iconic Mizzou Arena and can be viewed on SEC Network +.
ABOUT THE TIGERS
• The Tigers currently hold a record of 1-1 for the season; they faced a tough defeat at Memphis before bouncing back with a solid victory against Howard in their home opener.
• Leading the score for Missouri is Tamar Bates, who is averaging an impressive 15.0 points per game.
• Following close behind is Anthony Robinson II, contributing 14.5 points along with a team-leading 4.0 assists.
• The versatile Mark Mitchell is also making his mark with 12.0 points and leading the team with 7.5 rebounds per game.
• On average, the Tigers are registering 76.0 points across their first two games this season.
ABOUT THE EAGLES
• Eastern Washington holds a balanced record of 1-1 this season, having suffered a loss to Colorado while securing a victory against Seattle on their home court.
• The Eagles are spearheaded by Andrew Cook, who leads his team with 16.0 points per game, and boasts four players who are overcoming scoring challenges by hitting double digits consistently.
• Nic McClain stands out for Eastern Washington by averaging 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, contributing to the team’s strategy on both ends of the floor.
• Thus far, the Eagles are averaging 74.5 points this season.
SERIES HISTORY
• This matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs, and the first, notably, since the 1988-89 season.
• In that initial contest, Doug Smith was the standout player for the Tigers, leading the team with 14 points and 10 rebounds as they pulled off an 81-68 victory during the first round of the Walsworth Publishing Classic.
MIZZOU VERSUS BIG SKY
• The Tigers have a perfect track record against teams from the Big Sky Conference, winning all six encounters, with each game played in Columbia.
• Missouri’s victories over the Big Sky have come by an average margin of 25.7 points, with a notable 68-60 win over Idaho in 1998 being the closest game decided by fewer than 10 points.
CHASING 50-40-90
• Tamar Bates has seamlessly continued his impressive performance into the 2023-24 season.
• Last season, Bates showcased his scoring ability by averaging 13.5 points, achieving a field goal percentage of 49.5%, a 3-point shooting mark of 38.5%, and an exceptional free-throw rate of 92.6%.
• Remarkably, he came close to becoming the first player in MU history to join the coveted 50-40-90 club, missing the milestone by only two 3-pointers.
• Through two games this season, Bates leads the team with 15.0 points, demonstrating efficiency by shooting 52.4% from the field, 42.9% from beyond the arc, and a flawless 100.0% from the free-throw line.
SOPHOMORE SURGE
• Sophomore Anthony Robinson II has made significant strides in his performance this season, showcasing an improved skill set during the 2024-25 campaign.
• Robinson has successfully reached double figures in scoring in both games played this season, a notable improvement compared to last year where he only accomplished the feat three times.
• Currently, he ranks second on the team with an average of 14.5 points per game, a substantial increase from his previous season average of 3.9 points.
• Robinson also leads Mizzou with 4.0 assists per game, exemplifying his growth as a playmaker on the court this year.
PLAYING FAST
• Mizzou has demonstrated an exciting fast-paced style of play, excelling especially in transition situations.
• The Tigers have outscored their opponents dramatically in fastbreak points, posting a 42-16 advantage this season.
• This total of 42 transition points marks the highest for Mizzou in a two-game span since they accumulated 57 points during games against Wichita State and Southeast Missouri State back in 2022.
GETTING TO THE LINE
• A key area of improvement for the Tigers early in the season has been their ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line consistently.
• Mizzou is averaging an impressive 28.0 attempts from the free-throw line across their two games (42 made out of 56 attempts).
• Last season, the team struggled, ranking last in the SEC with only 14.4 made free throws and 18.2 attempts per game.
• However, through just two games this season, MU is ranked 37th nationally with a free-throw rate (FTA/FGA) of 51.9%, indicating a significant turnaround in their offensive approach.
BENCH POINTS
• The depth of the Tigers’ squad has become evident, showcasing multiple scoring options early in this season.
• Currently, Missouri is averaging 31.0 points from its bench players in 2024-25, which accounts for a remarkable 40.8 percent of the total team points.
• The team has managed to score at least 30 bench points in both games, a feat they have not accomplished since January 2023.
NEAR AUTOMATIC MAKES
• Mizzou has demonstrated exceptional efficiency when scoring within the arc so far this season.
• The Tigers are shooting an impressive 64.5 percent on 2-point baskets (40 out of 62), significantly surpassing the national average of 51.0%.
HIGH PERCENTAGE
• Players Aidan Shaw and Anthony Robinson II have taken full advantage of high-percentage shots thus far.
• Robinson is excelling, shooting 66.7% overall and an impressive 87.5% on 2-point attempts, while Shaw has made 6 of his 7 field goal attempts this season for an 85.7% success rate.
