The Dennis Gates era is underway in Columbia! Mizzou hosted the University of Washington on Thursday, wrapping up the preseason with an exhibition match.
WashU were pretty underdogs coming into this game, but didn’t play like that for most of the first half. WashU’s outside shot combined with the Tigers’ struggle from deep (2/10 in the first half) kept the game going.
“Our young men were a little nervous,” Gates said. “I pulled them out before they got into the rhythm to see if I could fight back the rhythm.”
Still, Mizzou’s stars showed up to push them to a 45-30 halftime lead. A leaner (and taller!) Kobe Brown had 14 points and seven rebounds in the first half, showing why he was named to the SEC’s first team of the week. I’m here. His dominance in the paint, coupled with some cunning perimeter play from Sean East II (he scored eight points on the night), DeAndre Golston (9) and Isai Moseley (11), helped him play the first half. Towards the end of , he was able to pull off Mizzou. The Bears had no answer as the Tigers began attacking into the paint in transition.
Dennis Gates is also on record, saying this team will be 11 to 12 deep this season. He played 11 players in the first half and was true to his word. Gates wants to clear up what he’s got before he really splits this team’s time.
It remained a 15-point game for most of the second half, but WashU cut it to 9 with just over 9 minutes to play in the game. That would be the closest they got the rest of the way as the Tigers closed out the game strongly to win his 89-61.
Kobe Brown has shown why this season is a breakout season for him, as his game looks more polished for his slim physique. Brown also looked more aggressive overall, shooting every time the ball entered the paint. He finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, leading the team in both categories.
Gates said of Brown, “He’s a great basketball player who’s versatile both offensively and defensively.” You don’t want to lead in scoring. He showed his love for Mizou by not entering the portal.”
As for the newcomer, East II really impressed me with his creativity on the outside. Golston and Domoy Hodge (3/4 from 3-point land) each had solid outs with him 9 points, Nick Honor looking very comfortable running this offense and Noah Carter finishing his 8 points. took advantage of a low chance.
A few key stats to take away from this game. The Tigers shot 27.8% from behind the arc, but 55.7% from the floor. They rebounded WashU 38 to 33.
“You have to rebound by the committee. You can’t let Kobe Brown do everything every game,” Gates said. “Our guards have to become better rebounders.”
The Tigers will host Southern Indiana (0-0) on Monday at 7pm CST to kick off the season. Catch that game on SEC Network+.
