No. 4 Missouri is known for its pace and helter-skelter offense, heirlooms of former coach Mike Anderson. But to earn their 67-66 win over Texas in Austin on Monday, the Tigers needed to execute with patience in the final moments, and current coach Frank Haith helped them come through.
No. 4 Missouri Vs. Texas: Tigers Come Through Late For 67-66 Win
Missouri nearly let a huge lead slip away, but Michael Dixon and Frank Haith helped the Tigers survive at Texas.
After a timeout, Michael Dixon made the final bucket of the night for Mizzou on a lay-up with 31 seconds to go, and then the Tigers swapped their press for an unexpected bit of zone defense to force a Myck Kabongo miss to end the Longhorns' upset bid.
Dixon led the Tigers with 21 points off the bench on sparkling nine-for-10 shooting, and saved Missouri from a possible collapse: the Tigers led by 13 in the second half, and by five with just under two minutes remaining. Phil "Flip" Pressey and Ricardo Ratliffe each added 13 points for the Tigers.
J’Covan Brown helped Texas rally to take the lead in the final minute, making the Longhorns’ go-ahead jumper with 57 seconds remaining to cap his 20-point night. But he wasn’t great from long range (one three on seven attempts) and Missouri’s zone helped take him away on the final possession.
The Tigers’ win sets up a titanic clash this Saturday, when Missouri welcomes bitter rival No. 8 Kansas to Columbia.
Be sure to check out Missouri blog Rock M Nation and Texas blog Burnt Orange Nation.
See More:
