Missouri can’t afford another bad loss, but they almost got one tonight. Mizzou pulled out a 67-64 win over Vanderbilt, closing out a homestand by winning all three games, erasing a three-game losing streak.
Jordan Clarkson led Mizzou with 21 points, including shooting a perfect 11-11 from the free-throw line. A rare off night for Jabari Brown, though, as he was held under 20 points, scoring only 10. Brown scored 20 or more points in nine out of his last 10 games.
Of course, this game was just like the previous contests against Arkansas and Tennessee, as Mizzou continues to struggle to close out a game. After an Earnest Ross three pointer, Mizzou led 61-53 with just under two minutes to go. Missed free throws and turnovers gave Mizzou fans another reason to worry tonight as Vanderbilt pulled within one possession in the final minutes.
Wes Clark was able to ice the game at the foul line as Vanderbilt couldn’t get the desperation heave to fall at the buzzer.
It’s not always pretty, but a win is a win for Mizzou and that’s all you can ask for, especially at this time of year. A loss down the stretch would be a disaster for their NCAA Tournament hopes.
With this win, Mizzou improves to 19-7 and 7-6 in the SEC. Mizzou is now tied for fourth in the SEC with Tennessee and Ole Miss, whereas Florida stands in first place with a undefeated record of 13-0 in conference play.
Up next, Mizzou will look for their sixth straight 20-win season as they go on the road to take on Alabama on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. CST on ESPN2.
