NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While his teammates hoisted jumpers on the Bridgestone Arena hardwood, Michael Porter Jr. walked to the bench. He sat down and looked down. But the freshman was not alone.
It was halftime in a game Porter dreamed of playing in when he signed with the school for which he grew up rooting. But like the season itself — because this game and Missouri having to battle through adversity was symbolic of the season itself — the Tigers trailed by 22.
After this halftime moment, a Porter and-1 bucket propelled the black and gold to a 8-1 run.