The Missouri Tigers (22-12) fell to the Drake Bulldogs (31-3) in a heartbreaking 67-57 loss on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Caleb Grill led the Tigers with 14 points, while Tamar Bates added 10 in what marked the final collegiate game for both players. Mark Mitchell contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
Bennett Stirtz led the Bulldogs with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
Game Recap
Mizzou started strong defensively, forcing four turnovers on Drake’s first six possessions. However, the Bulldogs responded with an 8-0 run to take a six-point lead, later extending it to 28-18 by capitalizing on Mizzou’s missed shots. A last-second basket put Drake ahead 30-23 at halftime.
Drake opened the second half with a dominant 9-0 run, building a 43-28 lead. The Tigers clawed back to within one by getting to the free-throw line, but Drake always had an answer. A late 6-0 run pushed the Bulldogs ahead by seven, and Mizzou struggled to convert down the stretch. The Bulldogs ultimately secured the 67-57 victory.
Team Stats
Drake shot 54% from the field and 5-of-10 from three.
Mizzou managed just 33% shooting, including 4-of-16 from beyond the arc.
The Tigers committed 17 turnovers, leading to 23 points for the Bulldogs.
Free throws kept Mizzou in the game, as they shot 23-of-26 (89%) from the line compared to Drake’s 12-of-24.
Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Drake Bulldogs guard Isaia Howard (23) defends Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) in the second half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Intrust Bank Arena
Struggling Offense
Despite their efforts, the Tigers, who had lost four of their last five games entering the tournament, struggled offensively and lacked the spark needed to advance.
“Drake answered it,” coach Dennis Gates said. “I credit them because they settled back in. We just didn't execute. We got the shots. We had an opportunity to tie the game; that's why we were down one. ... We just didn't make enough shots or have enough stops.”
This was the sixth time since 2011 the Tigers have lost in the first round of the tournament.
The Tigers failed to cover the -5.5 spread while the total score went UNDER the 132.5 line
What’s Next
Mizzou’s historic season comes to an end, while Drake advances to the second round to face No. 3 seed Texas Tech on Saturday.