STARKVILLE, MISS. • With an ominous stretch of the schedule looming, Missouri’s postseason fate didn’t necessarily hinge on Saturday’s outcome at Mississippi State. But with upcoming dates against Alabama and Kentucky, teams coming off impressive Saturday victories in the Big 12/SEC Challenge, the Tigers all but needed a victory to prevent a landslide into February.
They didn’t get one.
After a late spurt to end the first half, Mississippi State came out of the locker room looking to knock out the Tigers early and built enough cushion to hold on for a 74-62 win. Another turnover binge spoiled Mizzou’s efforts on the offensive end and more breakdowns on defense kept the Tigers from ever threatening the Bulldogs in the second half.