Missouri men’s basketball traveled to Memphis for their first game of the 2024-25 season. Missouri lost the matchup 83-75 due to a second half collapse.

Missouri’s starting five included Anthony Robinson ll, Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill at the guard positions and Mark Mitchell and Josh Gray in the frontcourt. Iowa transfer Tony Perkins was the first sub into the game and had a shaky debut for the black and gold. 

Both teams  were rusty on the offensive end as the score was 15-12 halfway through the first half. The Missouri offense found their footing first, with a double digit lead of 13. 

Forwards Aidan Shaw and Trent Pierce got the Tigers ahead by throwing down emphatic dunks. The duo combined for 19 points in the first half and Pierce ended the game with 13 points. 

Missouri began to pull away with five minutes to go in the first half, taking a 14-point lead. Memphis stayed within striking distance at the half trailing 42-32. Head Coach Dennis Gates employed multiple different defenses, including three-two and two-three zones to stifle Memphis’ offense. This forced multiple turnovers and deflections.

It was a tale of two halves as Memphis pulled away in the second half on high efficiency. They shot 57.7% from the field and 66.7% from three to secure the win. Guard PJ Haggerty had a 22-point second half and went 9-for-9 from the free throw line to give his team the upperhand. 

On the other hand, Missouri shot 33.3% from the field and 22.2% from three in the second half. Missouri led the game in field goal percentage, but shot worse from three and the free throw line. They held the lead for 24 minutes of the game to Memphis’ 11, but could not contain their second half run.

Robinson looked impressive in his sophomore season and starting debut, tallying 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds. He also had three steals playing his typical role of a scrappy defender, guarding the opponents’ best offensive weapons.

Bates had 13 points and played the most of any Tiger with 31 minutes. He only took one shot in the last five minutes when Missouri desperately needed some buckets. 

Key transfers Mitchell, Jacob Crews and Marques Warrick combined for 10 points as they begin to adjust to their new environment as Tigers. Mitchell shot 33.3% from the field and had four turnovers, but showed his activity on the boards by grabbing seven rebounds.  

Only one member of Missouri’s freshmen class saw time as forward Peyton Marshall played three minutes. Top recruit Annor Boateng did not see the floor. 

Missouri will start a 10-game homestand following their loss to Memphis. The Tigers play Howard for their home opener at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at Mizzou Arena. 

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com 

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com