The Tigers opened up the Puerto Rico Classic with an opportunity to make a strong statement, but came up short in losing 75-71 to #23 Xavier in the opening game. The Tigers led late in the game, but failed to convert free throws down the stretch.
That’s been a problem that has haunted the Tigers this season, they’re overall free throw shooting as a team was under 60% and had it not been for consistent free throw shooting from Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carroll through the first two games, that percentage would have much lower.
Today, everyone struggled. The Tigers were just 15 of 31 and had multiple attempts in the closing minutes to build on their lead, but couldn’t get the shots to fall. Mizzou led 67-62 with 4:27 to play. From that point on Xavier was 8 of 8 from the line, while Mizzou went 2 for 8.
Carroll and JT Tiller fouled out with Carroll leading the Tigers with 17 points. Lyons had 15 and Tiller 13. The Tigers trailed by three at the half, but played strong tying the game at 41 less than four minutes in the half. From there Mizzou held the lead to the 10 minute mark when Xavier fought back from a six point deficit to go up 52-50. Carroll made consecutive layups and the Tigers were back on top from that point on until Xavier hit two free throws with 1:21 to go up 71-70.