Mizzou men's basketball overcomes slow start, late offensive struggles to beat Kansas State in exhibition showdown

Missouri’s early second-half execution provided a glimpse of what its size and athleticism can produce when the offense finds a rhythm. However, a slow start, limited ball movement and inconsistent defensive rotations allowed Kansas State to remain competitive in a game that Missouri had opportunities to put away earlier.

The Tigers’ first-half struggles were apparent on both ends of the floor. Missouri shot 32% from the field before halftime, making nine of its 28 attempts from the field. They committed nine turnovers, struggling to establish consistent offensive flow. The lack of ball movement made it difficult for the Tigers to generate quality looks, allowing Kansas State to build its halftime lead.

Missouri responded immediately after the break. Five-star freshman Jason Crowe Jr. scored on consecutive possessions to help ignite the 13-0 run as the Tigers began taking advantage of their size around the basket. Trent Pierce, Bryson Tiller and the rest of Missouri’s frontcourt helped the Tigers find more success inside, where their height advantage was evident throughout the night.

Missouri finished with 42 rebounds to Kansas State’s 36 and recorded 28 points in the paint. The Tigers collected 16 offensive rebounds, creating 12 second-chance points when their initial attempts failed to fall.

Crowe was Missouri’s leading scorer, finishing with 21 points on 7-of-18 shooting. The freshman guard gave the Tigers an effective scoring option, particularly when he attacked the basket and created opportunities in transition. His perimeter shooting was inconsistent, as he connected on just one of six attempts from three-point range. Missouri shot 27.6% from beyond the arc as a team.

Missouri’s defensive rotations remained a concern. The Tigers were often slow to close out on Kansas State’s perimeter shooters, giving the Wildcats opportunities to stay within striking distance. Kansas State made nine 3-pointers, with Brandon Rechsteiner and Jaden Schutt each knocking home three.

The defensive lapses were particularly noticeable when Missouri struggled to recover after the Wildcats moved the ball around the perimeter. The Tigers’ size helped protect the paint, but slow rotations allowed Kansas State to counter that interior advantage with outside shooting.

Because Friday’s contest was an exhibition, the defensive issues are not necessarily cause for immediate concern. Missouri still has time to improve its communication and rotations before the regular season begins on Nov. 3. However, if those problems become a consistent pattern, opponents could exploit them by spreading the floor.

Missouri also struggled to close out the game offensively. The Tigers went through a four-minute scoring drought before Crowe made two free throws with 2 minutes, 24 seconds remaining to give Missouri a 65-57 lead. The Wildcats continued to apply pressure as Missouri’s offense stalled.

The Tigers did not make a field goal during the final 6:15 of the game, relying on free throws to maintain their advantage. Missouri finished 17-of-23 at the line, including 6-of-6 in the final three minutes. However, the inability to consistently create scoring opportunities allowed Kansas State to make the final minutes uncomfortable.

Mark Mitchell was available for Friday’s exhibition and played 16 minutes. The fifth-year forward finished without scoring but contributed eight rebounds; six on the offensive glass. His availability was a notable development as Missouri continues preparing for the regular season.

Missouri’s win offered encouraging signs in its rebounding, interior presence and second-half response, while also highlighting the need for more consistent offensive movement and sharper defensive rotations. The Tigers demonstrated they can take control of a game with their size, but sustaining that control will be important once the regular season begins.

Separately, CJ Gunn’s injunction hearing in Boone County Circuit Court has been pushed back to Oct. 27. The hearing was originally scheduled for Oct. 23. Gunn’s temporary restraining order granting him eligibility remains in effect until then.

The Tigers have one final exhibition game against UNLV scheduled for 9 p.m. Thursday in Las Vegas.