Mizzou Survives SEMO Scare in Home Opener

Tigers Overcome Defensive Woes for 89-84 Victory

The Mizzou Tigers basketball team kicked off their home slate with a dramatic 89-84 win over the SEMO Redhawks on November 8th, 2025. While the offensive firepower was on full display, glaring defensive lapses and free-throw struggles kept the game closer than the preseason predictions of a 19-point victory ever suggested.

Pregame Context: A Battle of Missouri

Coming off a season-opening win, the Tigers welcomed their in-state rivals from SEMO to Mizzou Arena. The Redhawks, coached by Brad Korn, entered the game with momentum after a surprise NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022-2023. Despite losing two leading scorers, SEMO returned key players like Brendan Terry (11.2 PPG), sharpshooter B.J. Ward (37.6% 3P last year), and the dangerous Braxton Stacker. Mizzou countered with a formidable starting five: Anthony Robinson II, Sebastian Mack, Jevon Porter, the dominant Mark Mitchell, and Shawn Phillips Jr. Expectations were high for a comfortable Tigers victory.

Game Highlights: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Breakdowns

The game began with Mizzou asserting its will. Mark Mitchell set the tone early with a emphatic rejection and a subsequent layup, sparking a 10-0 run fueled by aggressive rim attacks. Anthony Robinson II knocked down a timely three-pointer early on.

However, SEMO quickly adjusted. The Redhawks found their rhythm, hitting seven consecutive shots, including multiple threes from Luke Almodovar and Jayden Stone. Their aggressive drives exposed Mizzou's defensive rotations, which were consistently late and porous throughout the first half.

Despite shooting a blistering 19-of-30 (63.3%) from the field in the opening half, Mizzou found themselves trailing 51-46 at the break. Significant issues plagued them: nine costly turnovers and abysmal free-throw shooting (3-of-10). Jevon Porter even earned a technical foul for an unsportsmanlike act. SEMO's confidence grew, fueled by Mizzou's defensive miscues.

The second half continued the back-and-forth battle. Mark Mitchell asserted himself inside, scoring nine of Mizzou's first 13 second-half points on a 9-0 run that briefly gave the Tigers the lead. However, SEMO, led by the hot-shooting Braxton Stacker, continued to exploit defensive gaps and knock down contested jumpers. Mizzou's struggles from the free-throw line persisted, dropping to 5-of-15 for the game.

The game remained tight down the stretch, with SEMO holding a 71-69 lead with under eight minutes remaining.

The final minutes provided the drama. Mizzou regained the lead behind Robinson II's clutch basket and Mitchell's relentless drives to the rim. Mitchell's and-one play followed by a rare successful free throw conversion was a massive swing. Luke Almodovar's late three cut the lead to four with 29.9 seconds left, but Mizzou held on for the 89-84 victory. Mitchell finished with a game-high 25 points.

Key Takeaways & What's Next

While the win secures a 2-0 start, it highlighted critical areas for improvement:

• Defensive Intensity & Rotations: SEMO's guards found far too much success attacking the basket. Late rotations and a lack of communication led to easy baskets. This must be addressed against quicker SEC opponents.
• Free-Throw Prowess: Shooting 5-of-15 from the line is unacceptable for a contending team. Practice time will surely involve extra drills at the charity stripe.
• Turnover Discipline:
Nine turnovers, many unforced during drives to the basket, gave SEMO extra possessions.

Despite the flaws, the offensive potential is undeniable. Mark Mitchell looks like a potential All-SEC performer, and the shooting from Robinson II and others was efficient. The Tigers will need to quickly clean up their defense and free-throw shooting as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead in the SEC schedule.