Missouri Basketball's Battle Against Pacific - A Show of Strength

Early Game Highlights

Caleb Grill showcased his shooting prowess by making his sixth 3-pointer of the evening on eight attempts. Shortly after, Mark Mitchell connected on a 3 from the corner. Mizzou was running away with the game, leading 60-33 at that point. The half ended with Missouri ahead 54-31, with Caleb Grill leading the way with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and 5-of-7 from 3. Tamar Bates had 10 points and Josh Gray added 7. Six different Mizzou players had connected from behind the arc.

During the first half, Missouri went on an 11-0 run and Caleb Grill's 3-pointer with the buzzer was a fitting end. He continued to shine in the early stages of the season. Josh Gray also made a rare 3-pointer, scoring seven points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing out an assist, and getting a steal that led to a fast-break dunk by Tamar Bates. Missouri led 29-20 with 6:27 left in the first half.

Mid-Game Surges

Out of the media timeout, Missouri made a lightning-fast 8-0 run, with Josh Gray contributing four points and a steal that led to Tamar Bates' dunk. Missouri led 19-11. Caleb Grill and Marques Warrick provided a quick spark off the bench, with Grill making MU's first field goal with a driving layup and Warrick hitting Mizzou's lone 3 of the evening and going 2-of-2 at the line. It was 11-11 with the U12 timeout approaching.

However, the game started slowly for Missouri as they missed their first five field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers. Pacific took a 7-2 lead with a corner and two paint shots. But Tamar Bates' 2-of-2 free throws got MU on the scoreboard.

Pre-Game Updates and Injuries

Just a couple of minutes before tip-off, it was interesting to see how Missouri would follow up their 111-point outburst against MVSU. The Mizzou starting lineup was posted with PG Ant Robinson II, G Tamar Bates, G Annor Boateng, F Mark Mitchell, and C Josh Gray. But it was later reported that 7-foot-5 freshman Trent Burns is available to play tonight after seemingly missing the first four games with an illness. Dennis Gates said he hasn't considered using a redshirt year for Burns or freshman point guard T.O. Barrett.

Later, it was announced that Tony Perkins will not play tonight but is expected to return for Sunday's game against UAPB.

Score Prediction and Team Analysis

Pacific coach Dave Smart has a reputation for his defensive philosophy. Missouri guard Caleb Grill acknowledged the challenge, saying they need to execute at a high level on the offensive end and get stops on the defensive end. The Tigers put up 111 points in their last outing, but this matchup should be a better test for their offense.

Gates was asked about the availability of point guard Tony Perkins, whose status remains questionable. The Tigers are also yet to play freshman point guard T.O. Barrett and 7-foot-5 rookie center Trent Burns this year.

Full 2024-25 Season Schedule

Missouri's full 2024-25 season schedule includes several home games and neutral-site games. The upcoming game against Pacific is just one of many exciting matchups. The team will face tough opponents like Arkansas, Kansas, and more throughout the season.

Date (time), Opponent, Location, TV channel / Result
Nov. 4, Memphis, Memphis, Tenn., Memphis 83, Mizzou 75 (0-1)
Nov. 8, Howard, Mizzou Arena, Missouri 77, Howard 62 (1-1)
Nov. 11, Eastern Washington, Mizzou Arena, Missouri 84, EWU 77 (2-1)
Nov. 14, Miss. Valley State, Mizzou Arena, Missouri 111, MVSU 39 (3-1)
Nov. 22 (6:30 p.m.), Pacific, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Nov. 24 (4 p.m.), Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Nov. 27 (5:30 p.m.), Lindenwood, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Dec. 3 (6 p.m.), California, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Dec. 8 (noon), Kansas, Mizzou Arena, ESPN2
Dec. 14 (11 a.m.), LIU, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Dec. 17 (6:30 p.m.), Jacksonville State, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Dec. 22 (noon), Illinois*, St. Louis, ESPN
Dec. 30 (6:30 p.m.), Alabama State, Mizzou Arena, SECN+
Jan. 4 (3 p.m.), Auburn, Auburn, Ala., SEC Network
Jan. 7 (8 p.m.), LSU, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Jan. 11 (2:30 p.m.), Vanderbilt, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Jan. 14 (8 p.m.), Florida, Gainesville, Fla., ESPNU
Jan. 18 (5 p.m.), Arkansas, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Jan. 21 (8 p.m.), Texas, Austin, Texas, SEC Network
Jan. 25 (5 p.m.), Ole Miss, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Feb. 1 (noon), Mississippi State, Starkville, Miss., SEC Network
Feb. 5 (6 p.m.), Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., SEC Network
Feb. 8 (2:30 p.m.), Texas A&M, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Feb. 12 (8 p.m.), Oklahoma, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Feb. 15 (2:30 p.m.), Georgia, Athens, Ga., SEC Network
Feb. 19 (8 p.m.), Alabama, Mizzou Arena, SEC Network
Feb. 22 (7 p.m.), Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark., ESPN/ESPN2
Feb. 25 (8 p.m.), South Carolina, Mizzou Arena, ESPN2/ESPNU
March 1 (5 p.m.), Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tenn., SEC Network
March 5 (7 p.m.), Oklahoma, Norman, Ok., SECN+
March 8 (11 a.m.), Kentucky, Mizzou Arena, ESPN/SEC Network
March 12-16, SEC Tournament, Nashville, Tenn., TBD
March 18-April 7, NCAA Tournament, TBD, TBD