Mizzou Men's Basketball Holds On Against Wichita State

Missouri Tigers men's basketball came away with a victory over Wichita State despite a consistent attack from Wichita State.

COLUMBIA, Mo - The drive from Columbia, Missouri to Wichita, Kansas is just over four hours. But on the scoreboard at Mizzou Arena on Sunday, the distance between the Wichita State Shockers remained in close distance of the Missouri Tigers for most of the night. 

The Tigers led for the entire game, but their biggest lead was only 11 points early in the second quarter. Fittingly wearing black-and-yellow, Wichita State's attack resembled an infuriating, relentless bee that refused to move away. The Shockers were never able to lay the final sting, however, allowing Missouri to win 82-72.

Missouri once again showed off its impressive depth, with 12 players seeing playing time. Missouri's seven bench players scored 32 points compared to 18 points from Wichita State's two-man bench.

Noah Carter - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023 :: Amber Winkler / MizzouCentral

Nick Honor - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023

Anthony Robinson II - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023

Anthony Robinson II - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023

Sean East II - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023

Aidan Shaw - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023

Noah Carter - Missouri vs Wichita State - Dec. 3, 2023 :: Amber Winkler // MizzouCentral

Sean East II led the Tigers in scoring for the sixth time this season with 22 points. The graduate guard demanded plenty of attention from the Wichita State state defense, creating opportunities and open looks for East's teammates, which he found on nine assists. 

Along with East, Conor Vanover, Nick Honor and Caleb Grill scored in the double-digits. 

Grill, a Wichita native, exited the game with seven minutes remaining after taking a rough fall to the ground on a dunk attempt. The Iowa State transfer would return in the final minutes, scoring 13 points, with nine coming from three-point shots. Grill also was a presence on the boards, leading Missouri with 10 rebounds.

Vanover, an Oral Roberts transfer, had arguably his best performance as a Tiger by coming away with 11 points while also being a force defensively.

Missouri's defense as a whole had an impressive performance by playing aggressively. The Tigers were able to create many fast-break scoring opportunities, coming away with 20 points on 13 steals.

Shining on defense along with graduates Grill and Vanover was freshman Anthony Robinson II. The three-star recruit only had two turnovers, but placed noticeable pressure on Wichita State's offense.

Missouri was able to find success getting to the free-point line, an area that Gates emphasized that improvement was needed. Missouri had 25 trips to the charity stripe, making 23, both season highs.

Missouri's next game will be their biggest of the season thus far: No. 5 Kansas in Lawrence. The Tigers will be looking to avenge their 95-67 loss that they suffered against their iconic rival in 2022. 

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