ATHENS, Ga. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball (5-9, 0-2 SEC) stayed within striking distance for the duration of the game, but ultimately fell to Georgia (10-5, 2-1), 71-66, on Saturday afternoon at Stegeman Coliseum. The Tigers led, 26-20, at the half, but were outscored by the Bulldogs, 51-40, in the second half to yield the final outcome.
Sophomore guard Terrence Phillips (Orange County, Calif.) led the team in scoring for the second time this season, firing in 20 points while matching his career high for three-pointers made with five. Junior forward Jordan Barnett (St. Louis, Mo.) led the team in rebounding for the third consecutive game, grabbing eight boards while chipping in 15 points. Barnett has now scored in double figures in three straight contests.
Mizzou jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the game, fueled by seven points from sophomore guard K.J. Walton (Indianapolis, Ind.). The Tigers’ defense was suffocating in the opening period, forcing six Bulldog turnovers in the first seven minutes. Walton led the team in scoring at the break, along with Barnett, each scoring seven points.
Georgia opened the second frame on an 11-2 run over the first three minutes to gain the lead at 31-28. Mizzou regained the lead at 54-53 after a Barnett jumper with 6:57 left, but the Bulldogs responded with a 12-0 run to open an 11-point lead. The deficit was too much to overcome, as Georgia connected on 8-of-10 free throws over the final minute to seal the victory.
The Tigers return to Mizzou Arena for its next SEC contest as Mizzou hosts Auburn on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and can be seen live on the SEC Network.
