Mizzou upsets defending national champ Florida in a tightly contested SEC home opener

Fansided | January 4, 2026

Missouri stuns No. 22 Florida with a 76-74 win in their SEC home opener, as Anthony Robinson II and Trent Pierce lead the Tigers to a dramatic victory.

Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Anthony Robinson II (0) dribbles in the first half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Drake Bulldogs at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images | Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Before the Tigers took on not only No. 22 Florida, but the defending national champion Gators, fresh off its 91-48 defeat in the Braggin Rights contest, there was plenty of reason to feel skepticism for Tiger fans before Dennis Gates' squad took the floor for its SEC home opener.