3 Troubling Trends as Missouri Basketball Defeats Loyola: A Closer Look

Missouri Tigers basketball concluded a three-game home stint with a hard-fought 78-70 victory over Loyola-Maryland. But this simple-sounding sentence doesn’t capture the complexities of the game.

The Tigers managed to ward off Loyola but encountered difficulties in three persisting areas that have plagued them throughout the season.

Here are three concerning trends that continued in Saturday’s win over Loyola.

Cold Shooting Woes Persist

Across games against Minnesota, South Carolina State, and Loyola, the Tigers continued to struggle with cold shooting.

This was evident when MU held a 22-point lead. However, Loyola sparked a 17-0 run, turning a 31-11 game into a 31-26 lead with open perimeter shots. Missouri’s defense and offense played a role.

Loyola capitalized on open looks, making six of their 16 3-pointers during the stretch where Missouri’s defense faltered.

Missouri’s Search for a Go-To Player Continues

Many times, the Tigers’ offense stagnates, lacking the dynamism it showcased last season. Some players are struggling, requiring crucial adjustments. Missouri still requires a player who can score when the opposition is on a run to regain momentum.

Players like Caleb Grill and Nick Honor are encountering challenges that have hindered their performance. There’s also potential in players like Anthony Robinson and Sean East.

The Foul Fest Continues

Gates expressed frustration with the number of fouls committed, which continued against Loyola. The youth among the players is evident, and they need time to adapt to the demands of college-level basketball.

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