New year, new Mizzou?

Welcome to the Mizzou Winter Warmer, a weekly a recap of everything happening in Mizzou winter sports. Check back in every Monday to get a recap of the past week's events as well as a look forward at what's coming for each of Mizzou's programs.

Men’s Basketball

To be quite frank, everything that can be said about the Missouri basketball program has been said at this point. Another loss to a bad team has left the program in shambles before SEC play even starts, and it’s looking like we’ll have all season to ponder the future. For now, go read the pieces Sam, Bill and Tramel are writing. And as always, hope for the best.

What’s next: Mizzou opens SEC play this week with two games against LSU and Georgia — home and road games, respectively. Two wins in a week would be a great (and startling) way to kick off conference play. Here’s to hoping they can do it [chugs leftover champagne].

Women’s Basketball

The new year has already been kind to Robin Pingeton and the Tigers, who kicked off their conference slate with a 63-45 win over Georgia. The Bulldogs aren’t a great team, and Mizzou was able to get by with a below-average performance from Sophie Cunningham. But Sierra and Cierra were both reliable as ever, putting up 20 points each in the win.

The non-conference record of 10-4 was disappointing for a team with mid-to-high seed tournament hopes, especially with those unsightly losses to IUPUI and SLU. But this is still a team that can make noise in the SEC and play well into March. A win against Georgia on New Year’s Day was a great way to get things rolling again.

What’s next: Mizzou has two games this week: a road date with nationally-ranked Kentucky on Thursday; and a return home to face 12-2 Alabama on Saturday.

Kentucky’s record isn’t spectacular, and they’ve already lost to start SEC play, but they’re still a formidable opponent. Alabama isn’t within the Top 100 according to the NCAA’s rankings. The Tigers have a good opportunity this week to win two games and redeem themselves for a few unexpected losses in non-conference play.

Wrestling

At the moment, #TigerStyle is competing in day two of the Southern Scuffle. The Tigers started the day in second place overall. Continue checking Mizzou wrestling’s Twitter page for updates.

What’s next: The Tigers will also have a road match this upcoming Sunday against #17 Oklahoma.

Gymnastics

What’s next: Mizzou Gymnastics kicks off its season this upcoming Friday with a home meet at 7 pm against Illinois and Ball State.

Men’s Swim & Dive

Women’s Swim & Dive

What’s next: Both the men and the women’s Swim & Dive seasons start Tuesday at the Tennessee Diving Invite. This will take place until Thursday, and the teams will then travel north for a weekend meet against Louisville.

Odds & ends

If you’re still looking for sense in this dark time for men’s basketball give this recent podcast Sam did with former Columbia and current St. Louis radio producer Brandon Kiley. It’s very good and very cathartic.

Happy 2017, everyone. Here’s to hoping for a year with far fewer arrests and dismissals, more Mizzou victories, and what the hell how about a bowl game to boot?