The Missouri Tigers were outscored 22-12 over the final ten minutes as the Tennessee Volunteers rallied for a 64-62 win. Laurence Bowers led Mizzou with 20 points.
Keion Bell gave the Tigers their largest lead of the game on a breakout layup, forcing Cuonzo Martin to call a timeout with 9:57 to go. From that point on, Missouri shot 5 of 15…the last shot a useless three pointer from Earnest Ross as time expired.
Phil Pressey had nine assists and three steals, but he also turned the ball over three times and was just 4 of 12 shooting. His last shot irked Frank Haith. With the Vols holding a three-point lead, Pressey chased down a missed shot in the corner and brought the ball up the floor with 28 seconds but rushed and shot an air ball three attempt with 19 seconds to play.
Jordan McCrae let UT with 15 points. His tip-in off a miss gave the Vols the lead for good at 54-53 with just under five minutes to play.
The Tigers fall to 22-9 overall, and 11-7 in SEC play. Tennessee improved to 11-7 in conference play and 19-11 overall. With the win, Mizzou would have earned a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament, but will most likely open up play next Thursday on the second day of the tournament in Nashville, TN.
