NASHVILLE, Tenn. â In terms of predictions and seeding, it was the likely outcome. In terms of coaching decisions, it was the sacrificial outcome for the preservation of a bigger dance yet to come. In terms of performance, it was the fair outcome.
Missouri menâs basketball left the Southeastern Conference Tournament Friday after a quarterfinal that saw the No. 7 seed Tigers buried over and over by No. 2 seed Florida.
The Gators put 10 points on the board before Mizzou (22-10, 11-9 SEC) could even squeeze a shot off, then used that lead as leverage to keep MU at armâs length the rest of the way. Missouri â playing without leading scorer Mark Mitchell, who was held out as a precaution after suffering a right knee injury Thursday â looked lively in the second half but faded in the final minutes en route to a 95-81 loss and tournament elimination.
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âHonestly, once they got that 10-0 run, it just kept going and kept going,â point guard Tony Perkins said. âWe cut it down. Once we cut it down, they would come up with a shot.â
That about sums it up.
Maybe thereâs a lesson in the result â beyond the reality that Florida looks like a team prepared to win so much in March that it plays in April, too.
âWeâve got to punch first,â forward Trent Pierce said. âWe canât let a team come out there and we canât get in that deficit like that. That really hurt us.â
But this was Missouriâs last loss that can count as any sort of lesson. The next one, which will come in the NCAA Tournament, will mark the end of the season.
The Tigers are seemingly in a better spot to begin the Big Dance than they were upon arrival in Nashville, when they checked a three-game losing streak with their luggage. Mizzou took care of business to grind out a necessary win over 10th-seeded Mississippi State on Thursday.
With the losing skid snapped and the recipe for victory back within MUâs hand, coach Dennis Gates seemed to tap the brakes slightly just before tipoff on Friday.
After Mitchell missed the second half of the win over Mississippi State with a knee injury, Gates held his star forward and offensive focal point out of the next game, too.
Mitchell wanted to play â and could have. Gates thought preservation for the start of the NCAA Tournament next week was more valuable.
âIâm not afraid to make the decision that I need to make for the safety of our student-athletes,â Gates said.
Given that the finish to Mizzouâs SEC Tournament had so much to do with whatâs still to come, it seems that this stage of the postseason was not some self-contained quest for a conference title. Sandwiched between the three losses that closed out the regular season and the spectacle of March Madness to come next week, thereâs critical context needed when evaluating MUâs performance in the SEC Tournament.
It boils down, really, to this: Did Missouri get what it needed out of the tournament?
Asking that question around the Tigersâ locker room Friday night solicited varying perspectives.
âNo,â Pierce said confidently. âOur goal was to win the whole thing. We have the talent to win the whole thing.â
âI feel like it was something left on the table,â Perkins said. âWhen youâre a team and you went through the kind of season we did this year, you always want to be the team on top.â
Other players had a more positive view.
âItâs good to come to the SEC Tournament and get a win against a good team, Mississippi State,â guard Marques Warrick said. â⊠We just needed to get our groove back, get a win on the board. We definitely feel better than when we came in. Weâre all looking to build on that in the NCAA Tournament.â
âWe got most of what we need,â forward Jacob Crews said. âObviously, we needed that championship because thatâs everybodyâs goal at the end of the day. But as far as our lessons learned and understanding what we need to do to go forward, absolutely: I think weâre definitely going to go in (to the NCAA Tournament) rolling.â
Then there was nuance â which has come with MUâs recent skid, too.
âYes,â guard Caleb Grill said when asked, before pausing. âBut no. I mean, we came here to win the thing, but we also wanted to get back to playing the way that we have been â and I feel like we did do that. Itâs a 50-50 thing. But no moral victories. We donât believe in that. I donât believe in that.â
Presented with the question at his postgame news conference, Gates needed a few seconds to chew it over in his mind before answering.
âDid we get what we needed to?â he said, reciting back the Post-Dispatchâs line of questioning. âWe did not get the trophy. We donât get the opportunity to raise a banner. Our season 3A (the teamâs way of referring to the conference tournament) ends early. We wanted to be here, playing on Sunday, and weâre not. So we did not accomplish a goal. But as it relates to the silver lining, weâll see what it does. But I do know we were able to win a game (Thursday) against a tough, NCAA Tournament team, and today we played a game without an all-conference player (Mitchell). I thought we did pretty well.â
He brought up performances he liked from depth players like Aidan Shaw and core players like Perkins and guard Tamar Bates. Gates seemed pleased with how the Tigers handled a neutral-site environment, which is all thatâs on the docket the rest of the way.
And then he brought up the reality of that question, which is that there isnât a correct answer â because itâs hard for Missouri to know.
âWeâll be able to answer that question when our season is over,â Gates said. âAnd hopefully, itâs not over anytime soon.â
Photos: No. 21 Mizzou men's basketball falls in SEC Tournament quarterfinals to Florida

Missouri guard Jacob Crews (35) watches play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

The Missouri bench watches playagainst Florida during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

The Florida bench cheers against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

The Florida bench cheers against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida forward Alex Condon (21) grabs a rebound from Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Tamar Bates (2) drives against Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) gets past Missouri center Josh Gray (33) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) drives against Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden watches playagainst Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden watches playagainst Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden watches playagainst Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) moves the ball against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II (0) shoots over Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri center Peyton Marshall (21) and Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) chase a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden reacts to play against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida center Micah Handlogten (3) dunks on Missouri guard Marques Warrick (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) goes to the basket against Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) celebrates his three-point basket against Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II (0) loses the ball against Florida guard Will Richard (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Trent Pierce (11) falls to the court as Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri center Josh Gray (33) shoots against Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Will Richard (5) and Missouri center Peyton Marshall (21) chase a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) shoots against Missouri center Josh Gray (33)during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) shoots against Missouri guard Jacob Crews (35) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Caleb Grill (31) heas to the basket against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) looses the ball against Missouri guard T.O. Barrett (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) moves against Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) passes the ball against Missouri center Peyton Marshall (21) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates watches play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates watches play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) moves the ball against Florida center Micah Handlogten (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Tamar Bates (2) shoots against Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) shoots from the line against Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden watches playagainst Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida head coach Todd Golden watches play against Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II (0) drives on Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri's Tamar Bates (2) and Jacob Crews (35) and Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) watch the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Missouri and Florida in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates watches play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.