KU-MU: Tigers Rally For 62-60 Victory
So when was the last time Mizzou Arena rocked like THAT?
Missouri trailed Kansas all night, but pulled out a dramatic 62-60 victory when Zaire Taylor rattled home a jumper with 1.3 seconds left.
The Tigers played terrific defense all night, forcing 27 turnovers. But missed free throws and missed jumpers kept them at arm’s length until the late going.
Then they made a late 9-0 run to catch the Jayhawks and take a 60-58 lead.
Little things made the difference: Senior guard Matt Lawrence getting an offensive put back and J.T, Tiller getting fouled on a defensive rebound. Senior forward Leo Lyons converted two free throws after getting fouled attacking the basket and Tiller hit the go-ahead basket after getting the ball on a back-door cut and hitting a shot jumper.
After KU tied the game at 60, the Tigers worked for the last shot. Taylor, a take-charge player of late, penetrated off the dribble and knocked down his floater — with the help of a friendly home-court bounce.
When the Jayhawks couldn’t convert a desperation play at the buzzer, the arena expoded.
And Missouri basketball is relevant again.
Gordo, M-I-Z baby!
A win against the Jayhawkers is always a great win. Fortunately they were finally able to convert on all the turnovers they forced.
Congratulations to coach Anderson for making this his team and getting us back to were we should be.
Have fun with Antlers. Are you a legend?
I have watched missouri play so many bad games after becoming ranked it was nice to see them play and not give up. If only they would have played like that first half. I am happy for Michael Anderson and the Seniors and now they are finally playing for something. There defense was a beauty to watch. I am looking forward to seeing what they can do against the Sooners. The only player that drives me insane is Leo Lyons can look good so many times but also look so disinterested in many games
Go Tigers! “And Missouri basketball is relevant again” How true….tough win for a tough team!
Great win…Will Mizzou give M.Anderson a raise so as to keep him from going to bama….I hope so.
It wasn’t that they came back after trailing 30-16 at half. It wasn’t watching KU choke on their own feathers in the 2nd half. It wasn’t seeing the pressure defense strangle KU’s backcourt. Naw, it was none of these I cherished. It WAS the fact that my neighbor, a vile KU fan, called during the start of the second half to rub it in as I was listening to Mike Kelly call the game and an amazing comeback, only to try and goad me into betting him while his team was ahead. The REAL beauty of this game is knowing that he AND his wife will be at my house Saturday for a Valentine’s dinner along with several OTHER MU fans. Yes, that is the most cherished part of this whole experience - watching him suffer for 4 hours. Needless to say, there will not be much RED attire at that dinner….