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Can the Missouri Tigers Claw Back at Exactech Arena?

As the Missouri Tigers prepare to face off against the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can rebound from recent performances. The upcoming clash scheduled for February 28th will be a test of resilience and strategy for the Tigers.


Jan 20, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten (3) dunks the ball against Missouri Tigers forward Noah Carter (35) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on home turf, the Tigers struggled against Mississippi State Bulldogs, falling short with a final score of 51-75. The statistics reveal some areas of concern; while they excelled in free throw accuracy with an impressive 80 percent completion rate, they were less effective from beyond the arc, hitting only 17 percent of three-point attempts. Additionally, turnovers were a significant issue as they gave up possession 20 times.


A few days prior to that game, Missouri faced Texas A&M Aggies and again came up short with a scoreline reading 60-79 by full-time whistle. Despite shooting well from two-point range at 54 percent and showing some defensive prowess with six blocks, it wasn't enough to secure victory.


Jan 20, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) goes up for a shot against Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten (3) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

However, there is hope in their performance away against Vanderbilt Commodores where they managed to keep turnovers down to seven and shot an exceptional 91 percent from the free-throw line. This game showcased better ball control and efficiency in scoring under pressure.


As we look towards this matchup in Gainesville's Exactech Arena – known for its vibrant atmosphere which could influence play – it's crucial for Missouri to tighten up their three-point shooting and manage possessions more carefully. Reducing turnovers will be key in maintaining offensive flow and keeping pace with Florida Gators' likely aggressive defense.


Jan 20, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) shoots against Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten (3) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The question remains: Can Missouri apply lessons learned from past games to overcome challenges posed by both opponent and venue? Fans can catch all the action on SEC Network channel 611 on February 28th at what will be an evening tip-off local time.

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