Game thread: Missouri buckles down for toughest stretch of season

After thwarting Arkansas’ second-half comeback attempt — the kind that Missouri has too often succumbed to during SEC play — on the game’s final possession, the Tigers begin their toughest stretch of the season in Oxford on Saturday. This game against Ole Miss will be followed by a home game against No. 5 Kentucky and then a road trip with stops at Florida and Mississippi State. The tough upcoming slate begins just in time for the return of sharpshooting guard Mark Smith, who is expected to return to the lineup Saturday (he joined his teammates on the floor of The Pavilion for warmups). Missouri won’t be favored once during this upcoming quartet, but a victory in any of the four would represent the team’s best result of the season.

The Details

Opponent: Ole Miss Rebels (17-7, 7-4 SEC)

Time: 2:30 p.m. CT

Where: The Pavilion; Oxford, Mississippi

Is Mizzou Receiving Top 25 Votes? Nope.

What Does Vegas Say? Ole Miss, -9

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index: Ole Miss, 83.5%

Where To Watch: SEC Network

Radio: Tiger Radio Network

Twitter: @MizzouHoops

Facebook: Mizzou Men’s Basketball

The Review

Recap | Tilmon matches Gafford, spurs Tigers to win in Razorbacks rematch

Study Hall | Mizzou 79, Arkansas 78

Analysis | Freshman guard Xavier Pinson flashes potential

Five Questions

1. Will Mark Smith finish over or under 11 points?
2. Which contest in this four-game stretch are the Tigers most likely to win?
3. Which freshman scores the most points for Mizzou on Saturday?
4. Predict the score!
5. Who is your trifecta?