“If we had [insert player] we would have won,” is one of the oldest tropes in sports. It’s a very unmalleable take, especially when in a previous matchup with said player available the result differed. For people that like to sing that song, this article is for you.
The Missouri Tigers were outscored 36-6 by centers and forwards in their SEC quarterfinal loss to the Florida Gators, their largest disparity of the sort all season. In a 95-81 decision, disparities like that loom large and no disparity loomed larger than Mark Mitchell.
The Tigers star forward was absent against the Gators due to an injury he suffered in the first half against Mississippi State the round prior.