So close…

They almost did it, y’all. I know many of you are completely apathetic to Mizzou Hoops at this point, but I am still in it, for better or worse, and always will be. I just don’t see that changing. I will admit, when they were down something like 14 in the second half though, frustrated with the horrible audio, the unprepared announcers and the suboptimal play, my attention waned a bit. I’m currently juggling a lot and running out of time to get everything done, so I tried to make a dent in my work while listening to the game.

Thankfully (though not for my pile of work), the Tigers mounted a ferocious comeback and I was in it with them til the end. Even though they couldn’t ultimately get it done [deep sigh] I am proud of this team for not giving up. Javon had a career high in points (23) and had his first 14th consecutive SEC game in double-digits, Trev keeps looking better and better, and Kobe KILLED it in the second half. For more in-game, please check out Kortay’s recap. I’m really enjoying seeing his progression as a writer; he’s really made some big steps forward.

Next up… my other favorite sport. SOFTBALL!

The new polls are out, and as expected, after the Tigers’ very successful road trip to California — read my recap of the first four games — they’re movin on up!

Prior to this weekend, the Tigers were no. 16 in the NFCA rankings, no. 19 ESPN/USA Softball, no. 14 D1 Softball, and no. 18 in Softball America, in case you had forgotten.

This play from Brooke Wilmes was named one of the top plays of the week, as it should have been. She bounced off that fence!

Additionally, as Josh mentioned yesterday, Casidy “the arm” Chaumont was awarded Co-SEC Player of the Week for her weekend performance. Y’all, she was on FIRE, throwing people out while also going 8 for 13 (.615) at the plate with two home runs, including a walk-off against San Diego State.

On to the links!

---

Yesterday at Rock M

• In a new Dive Cuts, Matt and Sam discuss the future of Missouri Basketball.
• Josh shared a South Carolina preview, looking at the Gamecocks wretched offense but very good defense.
• Kortay provided the game thread, as well as the recap.
• Nate, Josh, Aaron and Parker took part in a Rock M Spring Football roundtable!

---

More Links:

Football

• In a Tiger Extra ($$), Chris Kwiencinski wrote about Jayden Jernigan, who battled myocarditis to land at Mizzou.
• Lila Bromberg from the KC Star wrote about what Missouri football’s defense will look like under new coordinator Blake Baker.
• Episode Five of the Hangin with Mookie Cooper is ready for your listening ears over at PowerMizzou.
• The Missourian’s Jack Soble wrote about Mizzou’s offensive line, which is riding high.
• Great photos from Day Three

Hoops

• Game Recaps: Mizzou comeback falls short at South Carolina (Dave Matter, St. Louis Post- Dispatch). Mizzou Tigers men’s basketball loses sixth straight game, this one at South Carolina (Lila Bromberg, KC Star). Takeaways after Missouri’s loss to South Carolina (Chris Kwiecinski, Columbia Tribune). Comeback effort falls just short for Tigers in South Carolina. (Matt Brolley, Columbia Missourian). MU men’s basketball commits miserable turnovers in South Carolina loss (Anthony Kristensen, Missourian). Pickett’s career night not enough in narrow road loss (MUTigers.com).
• I love the relationship between the Martins, Frank and Cuonzo.

• Way to go, Aijha!! And way to go, Hayley! Read more about their lengthy list of accomplishments at MUTigers.com.

As Shannon Mia Belt wrote in her piece for the Missourian, both Blackwell and Frank have surpassed 1,000 career points as juniors, making them the 38th and 39th players to do so within the program.

Other Mizzou Sports

• The Tigers’ schedule has been altered a bit for this weekend’s Mizzou Tournament. I’m going to be so busy on Saturday between the double header AND basketball… whew.

• Mizzou Gymnastics, as well as other women’s sports around the university and country as a whole, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The landmark federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance was signed in 1972. The NCAA will celebrate this important anniversary throughout the championships this season, including the Women’s Final Four in Dallas.

• A social at a brewery while watching the Tigers in the Big XII Tourney? If I lived in the area, I’d go for sure!

Mizzou in the Pros / Mizzou News

• From Dave Matter, the 2001-02 team will be honored at halftime of the Georgia game on Saturday. What a great group of players— Kareem Rush, Clarence Gilbert, Arthur Johnson, Rickey Paulding, Travon Bryant….

• Quin Snyder’s Utah Jazz took on the Suns on Sunday and won, 118-114. Jordan Clarkson played 26 minutes off the bench, and had 22 points on 10-17 shooting (2-7 from three), with 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 TO, and 3 PF. He was +20 (team high) on the night. NEXT UP: Utah vs. Houston Rockets tonight at 7pm.

Friday’s W over the Mavs, 114-109: 22 min (bench), 13 pts on 5-13 shooting (2-6 from three), 1 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 TO, 1 PF, +0

• TILLY and the Lakeland Magic took on the Mad Ants on Monday and won, 122-111. Jeremiah played 25 minutes off the bench, and had 12 points on 5-6 shooting, with 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, and 3 PF. He was +9 on the night. NEXT UP: Magic vs. Memphis Gold tonight at 6pm on ESPN+.
• MPJ NEWS! MPJ perhaps could be returning to the Nuggets soon after he completes a recap G-League stint.

• Former Mizzou player and coach, Kim Anderson, is officially retiring. He’s been serving as the head coach of Pittsburg State since being let go at Mizzou.

— — — — — — — — — — — — —

If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: click Here for ESPN+ Now!

If you’re looking to sign up for a new streaming service, you can try FuboTV: click HERE for FuboTV access — FuboTV now has ESPN, CBS, FS1 and more sports channels.

(** RockMNation has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though RockMNation may earncommissions for products purchased via affiliate links.**)