Missouri makes a statement

Good morning! The SEC stole the show in college hoops yet again on Wednesday night. What else is new from this historically good conference?

Let’s get to it.

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1. Missouri runs away from No. 4 Alabama

Hot starts in big games have been a signature for No. 15 Missouri. The latest example? Wednesday night’s 110-98 win over No. 4 Alabama.

The Tigers flew around in transition and jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the first 2:30, forcing an Alabama timeout. The Tigers (20-6, 9-4 in SEC) didn’t slow down and dominated the first half, carrying a 59-46 lead into the break, despite Alabama shooting 61% from the field.

And while it was a back-and-forth second half and the Tide made it sweaty late, Missouri never trailed en route to its third top-5 win of the season. It was the second-straight loss for Bama (21-5, 10-3), which allowed a season-high 1.39 points per possession. That’s how it goes when you play in front of a raucous home crowd.

“Our crowd was unbelievable,” coach Dennis Gates said postgame. “Our guys prepared for the moment, and they seized it. I’m proud of the way we started and ended the game.”

The 110 points are Missouri’s highest scoring output in regulation during a conference game since Jan. 13, 1990, and it became just the second team in the last 30 years to score 110 points in regulation vs. an AP top 5 team. The Tigers’ 59 points at halftime was the most in SEC play in school history.

The biggest factor in the offensive performance? Junior forward Mark Mitchell, who dropped a career-high 31 points, including this and-1 after a dime from senior guard Caleb Grill. That play should make the SportsCenter top-10.

Perhaps the funniest moment of the game was Gates imploring fans to not storm the court. "We need that money to go to NIL," Gates said. "We don't need to be getting fines out there. But, to safety, I hope that becomes a normal thing when you are excited, which I credit our crowd for being. I just didn't want us to rush the court and get a fine."

The postgame interview on SEC Network was also appointment television and showed the connectivity of this Missouri team. It really is time to start talking about Missouri as one of the best teams in the country.

2. Auburn escapes Arkansas, Kentucky tramples Vandy

A battle for a defensive rebound between teammates may have been Arkansas’ doom in its 67-60 loss at No. 1 Auburn.

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