Andrew Pace
The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team has had a rich history in the sport, representing the University of Missouri in the SEC. While the team's players and coaches have expressed indifference towards rankings, the Tigers have consistently performed well and made their mark in the sport. The Tigers' 2022-23 season was their first under head coach Dennis Gates, and they spent four total weeks in the polls that year. In recent years, the Tigers have continued to improve, with notable wins and an upward trajectory in national polls. On February 1, 2025, the Missouri Tigers achieved a significant victory against the then-ranked No.14 Mississippi State Bulldogs, winning 88-61. This win marked the largest road win over a ranked team in the University of Missouri's history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Last Ranked Win | 1st February 2025 |
| Opponent | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
| Final Score | 88-61 |
| Location | Starkville, Mississippi |
| Stadium | Humphrey Coliseum |
| Missouri Tigers' Ranking | No. 20/21 |
| Mississippi State Bulldogs' Ranking | No. 14/13 |
| Missouri Tigers' Coach | Dennis Gates |
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What You'll Learn
Mizzou basketball ranked 22nd in 2024
The University of Missouri's men's basketball team, also known as the Tigers, was ranked 22nd in the nation in October 2024. This ranking came after a win over Arkansas, marking the team's fourth straight SEC win.
The Tigers' coach, Dennis Gates, commented on the team's ranking, stating that his players pushed back on the idea of being ranked and told him they "didn't need a number next to the team's name." Despite the ranking, the players and coaching staff remained focused on their performance and improvement. Guard Tamar Bates shared this sentiment, stating, "We're not really talked about, and we don't really care. We're just going to keep showing up and doing what we do."
The 2024-25 Missouri Tigers basketball team saw significant changes from the previous year, with several key players, including Sean East II, Nick Honor, and Noah Carter, becoming ineligible. However, Coach Gates bolstered the roster through the transfer portal, adding high-scoring players like Marques Warrick from Northern Kentucky and Jacob Crews from UT-Martin. The strength of these additions earned recognition from 247Sports, who ranked the Tigers' transfer class in the top 15 nationally.
While the Tigers were ranked 22nd in October 2024, they had experienced higher rankings in previous years. In the 2020-21 season under coach Cuonzo Martin, the team climbed to as high as 10th in the nation. Additionally, in its first year in the SEC during the 2012-13 season, Mizzou reached a ranking of 7th in the poll.
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The team's highest ranking was 7th in 2012-13
The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team has had its fair share of success over the years, but one season stands out as particularly memorable. The 2012-13 season marked the team's inaugural year in the SEC, and it proved to be a historic one.
In their first foray into the new conference, the Tigers roared to a 7th-place ranking in the polls, the highest in the team's history. This achievement was all the more remarkable considering the strength of the SEC. The Tigers' performance that season served as a statement of their ability to compete with the best.
The 2012-13 season set a benchmark for the Missouri Tigers, and it remains a high point for the program. The team has yet to reach such heights again, but that season stands as a testament to their potential. It is a reminder that the Tigers have what it takes to rise to the top, and it inspires hope that they can reclaim that glory in the future.
While the Tigers have had other successful seasons, both before and after joining the SEC, none have quite reached the heights of 2012-13. That year serves as a beacon, guiding the team and giving them a standard to strive for. It is a season that will forever be etched in the memories of Missouri Tigers fans, and it continues to fuel the team's ambition.
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Coach Dennis Gates' indifferent attitude to rankings
The University of Missouri Tigers men's basketball team has had a tumultuous few years, with their last ranking occurring at the end of the 2022-23 season, where they failed to crack the top 20. However, under the leadership of Coach Dennis Gates, the team is indifferent to rankings and focused on performance and growth.
Coach Gates, who took over as head coach in 2022, has a unique philosophy centered around transformation rather than transactions. This mindset has helped him form strong bonds with his players, who view him as family. Gates' intelligence, leadership, and selflessness have been instrumental in his success. He began his coaching career as an intern with the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers in 2002 and has since built an impressive resume, including a stint at Florida State as an assistant and a successful first head coaching role at Cleveland State.
Gates' indifference to rankings is shared by his players, who have stated that they ""don't want to be ranked" and "don't care." This attitude was on full display after a sound victory against Arkansas, where the Tigers emphasized their lack of concern for rankings. Instead, they are focused on continuing to show up and perform to the best of their abilities.
Despite their indifference, the Tigers have achieved notable wins under Gates' leadership. In the 2024-25 season, they secured signature wins against top-ranked teams, including #1 Kansas, #5 Florida, and #4 Alabama. Additionally, in February 2025, the Tigers dominated #14/13 Mississippi State, posting the largest road win over a ranked team in school history with an 88-61 triumph.
While rankings may not be the primary focus for Coach Gates and the Tigers, their performance and growth mindset have contributed to their success on the court. Gates' unique approach to coaching and his ability to foster a family-like environment have helped elevate the team's performance and achieve notable wins.
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Mizzou's win against Mississippi State in 2025
The game showcased the Tigers' resilience and determination. Mississippi State initially jumped to an early lead, but Mizzou quickly turned the tide with a game-changing play. Mizzou's strong defensive performance, coupled with a successful ground game, contributed to their overwhelming success. The Tigers' victory was a testament to their hard work and dedication, as they continued to build on their impressive 2024-2025 season.
Mizzou's basketball team had previously faced criticism and doubts, with players and coaches expressing their indifference to rankings and their focus on simply "keeping showing up and doing what we do." However, their win against Mississippi State silenced the critics and solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
The 2024-2025 season saw the Tigers pushing their SEC foes to new heights, with their win over Mississippi State serving as a highlight. Mizzou's last ranking before this victory was at the end of the 2022-2023 season, where they spent four weeks in the polls but failed to break into the top 20. The 2025 win against Mississippi State marked a turning point, showcasing the team's growth and potential.
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The team's last NCAA Division I tournament in 2025
The Missouri Tigers' men's basketball team had a strong start to their 2024-25 season, with a gentler non-conference schedule than the previous year. They opened their season on the road against Memphis and had their home opener against Howard on November 8, 2024. The Tigers went on to win their fourth straight SEC win against Arkansas.
The Tigers continued to perform well throughout the season, with a notable win against Mississippi State in February 2025, posting the largest road win over a ranked team in school history with an 88-61 triumph. They finished the season with a record of 21-10 and 10-8 in SEC play, placing seventh in one of the most challenging conferences in college basketball.
The Tigers earned a spot in the 2025 NCAA Division I Tournament, their 13th appearance in the tournament's history. They were given a No. 6 seed, projected to get a No. 7 seed, and faced Drake in the first round on March 20, 2025, at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Unfortunately, they lost this game 67-57, bringing their 2024-25 season to an end.
Despite the disappointing end to their tournament run, the Tigers showed improvement and had memorable wins throughout the season, giving their fans hope for a brighter future.
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Frequently asked questions
2025. The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team achieved the largest road win over a ranked team in school history, beating the No. 14/13 Mississippi State Bulldogs 88-61.
2022-23.
4 weeks.
They did not crack the top 20.
In the 2020-21 campaign under Cuonzo Martin, Missouri climbed to No. 10.
