
All that’s left for the Mizzou Tigers is to find out where they’re dancing next week in the NCAA Tournament.
The 21st-ranked Tigers never lead in Friday’s 95-81 loss to fourth-ranked Florida in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament in Nashville. The Gators claimed the first ten points and led by as much as 18, as Mizzou were unable to overtake Florida’s 62-percent shooting from the field. The Tigers got within two possessions at least twice, but didn’t have the momentum to surpass Florida’s three-point shooting, which saw the Gators claim nine baskets from behind the arc to Mizzou’s four.
Florida enjoyed balanced scoring, as Walter Clayton Junior picked up 18 points, while Will Richard and Alijah Martin each added 17, and Thomas Haugh came off the bench to notch 16 points. The Tigers also had four players in double-figures, with Tamar Bates leading the way with 16 points, Anthony Robinson the Second and Tony Perkins each netted 13, and Caleb Grill posted 11 from the bench. The Tigers were without Mark Mitchell, who didn’t start after experiencing an injury in Thursday’s win over Mississippi State. Josh Gray got the start instead, and fouled out with 7:20 remaining, having scored just two free throws all game.
The Tigers are now 22-11 and widely expected have a spot on the NCAA Tournament bracket when it’s unveiled Sunday evening. The Southeastern Conference could have as many as 14 teams earn spots in the tournament; the record for most teams from a conference is 11, set by the Big East in 2011.