Missouri men’s basketball hosted Howard for the first home game of the 2024-2025 season. With a strong final push from the team, the Tigers walked away with a 77-62 victory. 

Missouri’s starting five included Tony Perkins, Annor Boateng and Tamar Bates at the guard positions, Mark Mitchell at forward and Josh Gray playing center. Aidan Shaw, Anthony Robinson II, Trent Pierce and Caleb Grill were the first substitutes to check in to the game. 

A 3-pointer at the buzzer by Bates sent the Tigers to the locker room, leading Howard 40-28. This 3-pointer was the first of the half for the Tigers, who were 1-for-11 from the 3-point line, a clear first-half struggle for Missouri. Howard, on the other hand, had a lot of success from the 3-point line, going 5-for-9 in the first half. 

Mitchell had an excellent first half, leading the Tigers in points with 14 and rebounds with five. 

Missouri was excellent from the free throw line in the first half, going 15-for-16. On the defensive side, the Tigers did not give many fouls as Howard only had four free throw attempts, converting on three of them. 

With three minutes remaining in the game, the Tigers had a four-point lead, But with strong closing play, the Tigers boosted the lead to 15 points, going on a 14-3 run and winning by a margin of 15.

Freshmen Boateng and Marcus Allen made season debuts and played key roles in a strong win. Both were in during important moments of the game.

 “We put two freshmen in situations they’ve never been in and at the college level, and they were able to respond,” head coach Dennis Gates said during a post game press conference. 

Boateng made the first start of his collegiate career with five points, one rebound and an assist. 

Bates led the Tigers in scoring with 17 going 6-for-11 from the field and 3-for-7 from three. Bates was also the only player to make a 3-pointer for the Tigers.

Mitchell was right behind Bates with 16, going 4-for-7 from the field. Mitchell led the team in minutes played with 28, while also posting a team-leading eight rebounds. 

Missouri stretched their winning streak to two at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, defeating Eastern Washington at Mizzou Arena. 

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Edited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com