Men’s Basketball Welcomes Kansas State This Friday

The men’s basketball team at Mizzou will face Kansas State this Friday. Fans can catch the action at Mizzou Arena, starting at 9 p.m. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network.

About the Tigers

Mizzou concluded the 2024-25 season with a record of 22-12. They finished sixth in the SEC, a competitive conference boasting 14 teams in the NCAA Tournament.

• The Tigers achieved their second NCAA Tournament bid in three years under head coach Dennis Gates.
• They secured a No. 6 seed, the best seeding since 2012.
• Mizzou is unique in the SEC for returning three starters: Mark Mitchell, Trent Pierce, and Anthony Robinson II.
• Overall, the team retains seven players from last season, alongside five transfers and two freshmen.

About the Wildcats

Kansas State finished the previous season with a record of 16-17 and a 9-11 performance in Big 12 play. Head coach Jerome Tang, now in his fourth season, boasts a 61-41 record and led the team to the Elite Eight in 2023.

• This season, the Wildcats do not return any starters but bring in a highly ranked transfer class.
• PJ Haggerty from Memphis is a notable addition, contributing to the nation’s fourth-best transfer class.

Series History

The rivalry between Mizzou and Kansas State dates back to 1906. Currently, Kansas State leads the all-time series with 121 victories to Mizzou’s 116.

• This matchup will be the eight meetings between the two programs while being part of different conferences.
• Previous meetings took place in 1908, 1909, 1913 (three games), 2015, and 2018.

Returning Experience for Mizzou

The Tigers’ roster features familiar faces as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign. The return of Mark Mitchell, Trent Pierce, and Anthony Robinson II marks the first time since the 2020-21 season that Mizzou has three returning starters.

Mark Mitchell’s Impact

Senior Mark Mitchell, a significant player for Mizzou, was an all-conference honoree last season. He averaged 13.9 points per game and collected 4.7 rebounds.

• This season, he was named to the All-SEC Preseason Second Team.
• Mitchell’s scoring is the highest by a returning player since Marcus Denmon in 2011-12.

Highlights from 2024-25 Season

• Mizzou achieved notable victories over top-five teams, including No. 1 Kansas and No. 4 Alabama.
• The team performed exceptionally well, ranking ninth nationally with an average of 83.6 points per game.

Statistical Leaders

Mark Mitchell is not only a primary scorer but also contributes across various statistics. He led Mizzou in numerous categories last season, including:

• Scoring: 13.9 points per game
• Free Throws Made: 142
• Rebounds: 4.7 per game
• Overall Performance: Joined an elite group of players nationwide for combined statistics.

Player Development

Anthony Robinson II showcased significant improvement last season, increasing his scoring average and assists per game substantially.

Mizzou looks poised for a competitive season as they prepare to face Kansas State this Friday.