'We Weren't Able to Execute': Dennis Gates Recaps Missouri's Loss to Texas A&M
Six minutes into their game against the Texas A&M Aggies at College Station, the Missouri Tigers looked like a well-oiled machine, clicking on all cylinders. The Tigers zone defense was able to prevent Aggie guard Wade Taylor IV from driving into the paint. The Tigers allowed very little free space for the Aggies, causing them to begin the game shooting 1-for-5 from the field. The defensive success was due to a coordinated, intentional week of practice according to guard Sean East II.
"Just emphasizing the standard that we went out to set this week of practice and we just executed for three days," East said about the Tigers' defense. "We've shut it down before tonight and we just got to keep taking the light steps and (have) improvement each and every day."
Offensively, Tamar Bates, who scored eight points in the first six minutes, looked to be the same version of himself that was on display in his 36-point performance against Florida on Sunday.
But shortly after Missouri reached a 13-4 lead, the Aggies begun to find a groove. Suddenly, it was the Tigers that were struggling to find a basket. Between the 14 and 3 minute marks, Missouri only scored two points compared to the Aggies 23. Missouri was able to find some new hope near the end of the half by putting together 8-0 run in the final minutes, going into halftime trailing 30-25.
But Missouri continued to spiral in the second half, falling 63-57.
"We weren't able to come into halftime with the lead," Missouri head coach Dennis Gates said. "I thought, this game we should have been up by 15 points, holding the team to that many field goals in that first half."
In the second half, the scoring inconsistency continued for Missouri. Though offensive momentum was provided by successful three-point shots at crucial times from Nick Honor and Sean East, it was spotty and often interrupted by turnovers. The Tigers gave up 15 turnovers which fueled the Aggies' transition offense.
"They got some easy baskets and transition that that obviously cost us from our turnovers," Gates said. "They had 21 Points off the turnovers and and was able to execute once they got that ball."
Missouri's offense also suffered from many missed opportunity on close shots, including five layups in the second half.
"I wish we could get back and somehow make those open shots that we were right there able to take but they didn't fall for us," Gates said.
Gates highlighted the lack of execution in these opportunities as the differentiating factor in the six-point loss.
"We got great shots. I'm not worried about that," Gates said. "But we weren't able to execute how I want it to in those situations."
Tuesday's uninspiring loss is only the latest for the Tigers, who are still searching for their first win of the SEC slate. Sitting at 8-11 on the season, Gates recognizes the importance of keeping his team glued together.
"I'm gonna continue to be right there with the guys, continue to coach, continue to bring our personality where it needs to be," Gates said."Making sure we're staying cohesive. That is important throughout it all"
Missouri will continue the journey to find their first win since December 30 this Sunday when they travel to South Carolina to take on the 16-3 Gamecocks.
