No. 21 Missouri grabbed two convincing SEC wins this past week, moving to 8-4 in conference play. The Tigers won two matchups by a combined 37 points — a 24-point win coming against Oklahoma on Feb. 12. The latter victory came against the Georgia Bulldogs on Feb. 15. Here are three takeaways as Missouri approaches its final leg of the regular season. 

Efficient and Effective Free Throw Shooting

The Tigers sit at the top of the SEC in free throw attempts after these two games, with 49 more shots coming from the two contests. Missouri is No. 10 in the conference in free throw percentage but improved in both games. The free throw attempt output has not been a problem this season, but the team’s accuracy has been an issue. 

In the game against the Sooners, Missouri shot 35 free throws, its second-highest total in conference play. Mark Mitchell totaled season-highs in free throw makes and attempts with 13 makes on 18 attempts. The Tigers’ ability to stay on the attack and get in the paint has resulted in an uptick of fouls drawn, which helped them control the game’s tempo.

Missouri compiled its most accurate performance from the line this season in their road win over the Bulldogs. The Tigers shot 86% on their free throw attempts, making up for its poor field goal percentage compared to Georgia. Missouri struggled to capitalize on their ability to get shooting fouls early in the season, but are starting to show confidence when they step up to the line.

Ball Security

One of the reasons Missouri has seen success on offense is because they waste few possessions per game. The Tigers handled the ball well against Georgia with only three turnovers — tied for their lowest total of the season. Not only did they limit their own turnovers, but they forced more in both of their matchups. There have only been three games this season where Missouri had more turnovers than its opponents. 

In the blowout win over Oklahoma, Missouri had 12 turnovers to the Sooners’ 17. In the second half, the Tigers limited their turnovers, only giving away the ball four times. 

Individual Defense and Team Defense

The worst scoring defense in the conference belongs to Missouri — giving up 74.4 points per game. A few stellar individual performances on the defensive end have contributed to improved team defense. 

Tony Perkins poked away five steals against Oklahoma in his 25 minutes. His play helped the Tigers hold the Sooners to 58 points, its lowest points allowed in SEC play. Mitchell did work on the defensive end as well with six defensive rebounds and two steals. 

Against the Bulldogs, Anthony Robinson ll and Caleb Grill had four steals a piece. The Tigers had 18 points off turnovers compared to the Bulldogs’ two points. Missouri extended their first-place total of steals to 357 in the conference — the team in second place has 302 steals.

Missouri is doing all the little things that turn good teams into great teams. As the regular season end draws near, the Tigers are in prime position for the SEC and NCAA Tournament. 

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com 

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com