Missouri's Second Half Struggles Continue, Falls to Florida in 15th Straight Loss

Although it was a close game for a vast majority of the second half, the Missouri Tigers once again could not close out against the Florida Gators.

Every Missouri men's basketball game ends in roughly the same way: disappointment. 

As so many of their 15th straight losses in Southeastern Conference play have gone, the Tigers fought hard for most of the game, but collapsed in the very end. This time it was a four-point deficit with 2:33 left, but they crumbled apart to eventually lose by nine points, 83-74.

No distinct area can be attributed as the reason why Missouri lost once more. It played a complete offensive game off the backs of Sean East II's 20 points and Tamar Bates' 15, and even caused some troubles defensively with a zone defense when Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. fouled out. It truly looked like it could've been the game to beat the streak, but the Tigers let the win slip away, just like it has all season. 

Tyrese Samuel was simply unstoppable for the Gators, scoring 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting. Much like how Missouri's loss to Arkansas resulted, a quality performance from East was simply outmatched by a greater one. Zyon Pullin's 21-point night wasn't too far behind, also giving Florida momentum down the stretch. 

The loss now gives the program the largest losing steak in its history. Even if most of Missouri's losses have come in single-digit deficits, that fact is a stain that will hurt for a long time. Each game is almost a replay of the other, no matter the opponent.

The Tigers' next chance at breaking the losing steak will take place on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT in Mizzou Arena against the Ole Miss Rebels. 

Live updates:

Second half:

FINAL: Missouri 72, Florida 83

59.7 - An and-one dunk from Samuel and a rare turnover from East II will likley spell doom for the Tigers. Missouri 72, Florida 81

2:44 - Both teams are firing on all cylinders, with little defensive plays being made. The two man game between East II and Connor Vanover has really been working, allowing some open looks for each that lead to easy buckets. Probably Vanover's best game of the entire season. Missouri 68, Florida 74

9:36 - After getting fouled on a 3-point attempt, Honor makes it a one point game. The zone defense is giving Florida issues — especially without Clayton Jr.— and the offense is finally starting to catch up. Missouri 54, Florida 55

14:08 - Clayton Jr. has fouled out of the game thanks to a tech. His Gator-leading 13 points have killed the Tigers throughout the game, so it's a big win for them going forward. Missouri 44, Florida 51

14:58 - Similarly to most of Missouri's games this season, a run that got it neck and neck with its opponent was met with a fury. It went from a three-point deficit to an 11-point deficit in a matter of 1:11. Missouri 40, Florida 51

16:18 - The Tigers have opened up the half with a lot more energy than they did in the first. A corner triple from Honor and a lot more movement off the ball. Missouri 38, Florida 41

First half:

0:00 - A solid half from Missouri, but it still has a lot of work to do to gain its first conference win. Interesting defensive sets have been used, such as a 3-2 zone, to varying results. Both teams are in the same boat from the 3-point line, each shooting 20% or below. 

2:40 - Dennis Gates is visually frustrated with the referees over a call against Jordan Butler after he got tangled with Samuel, but the call still went Florida's way after a review. Gates also received his first technical foul of the season. Missouri 26, Florida 34

6:45 - A couple of nice plays from Nick Honor are keeping Missouri close in the game. Hit a corner 3-pointer and got to the line, converting both free throw attempts. Missouri 22, Florida 26

8:54 - Florida's Tyrese Samuel is everywhere right now. He's got nine points on 4-of-4 shooting already and is helping the Gators grow a significant lead. Missouri 15, Florida 22

11:42 - Tamar Bates and Sean East II combined for a quick nine points in the first eight minutes, but still fell behind 15-11. Most of the offense is running through them, with no other Tigers really even attempting to shoot the ball. 

Starting lineups:

Missouri Starting 5	Florida Starting 5
Tamar Bates	Zyon Pullin
Nick Honor	Walter Clayton Jr.
Sean East II	Will Richard
Noah Carter	Tyrese Samuel
Jordan Butler	Micah Handlogten

How to watch:

Who: Missouri (8-19, 0-14 SEC) at Florida (19-8, 9-5 SEC)

Where: Exactech Arena, Gainesville, Fla.

When: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. CT

TV: SEC Network

Series: Dating back to the 2012-23 season once Missouri joined the SEC, Florida has a 10-to-4 advantage in the series and won the last three matchups, including this season. The Tigers last win against the Gators was on March 3, 2021, at home in a 72-70 contest.

Last Game, Missouri: In the aforementioned loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks, Sean East II's 33 points on 9-of-14 shooting wasn't enough to outmatch Khalif Battle's 42 points on 11-of-15 shooting. It truly was a one-on-one showing, but the Tigers couldn't bring enough to the table down the stretch to come out on top.

Last game, Arkansas: The Gators are coming off a 77-64 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores, with Clayton Jr. and Will Richard combining for 40 points. Vanderbilt has struggled nearly as much in the SEC as the the Tigers have, so it will be two substantially easier matchups for Florida as the end of the season starts to wrap up. 

'I can do everything': Darius Robinson Eager to Shine at NFL Scouting Combine