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Mizzou Football Falls 41-13 in Big-12 Debut vs Texas

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Mizzou Sports Recap – The Week That Was (Dec. 15‑21)

The final week of the calendar year was a whirlwind for Missouri athletics. From a high‑profile football showdown in Austin to clutch performances on the hardwood, the Tigers had plenty of storylines to report. Here’s a comprehensive look back at the highlights that kept Mizzou fans in the conversation across all sports.


Football: A Big‑12 Debut and a Heavy‑Hit Loss

The highlight of the week for the football program was the 2023‑24 regular‑season finale against Texas. In the first-ever Big‑12 matchup for the Tigers, Mizzou traveled to Austin’s Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 16. Despite the excitement surrounding the move to the new conference, the Tigers were outmatched by the Longhorns, falling 41‑13 in a defensive‑heavy affair.

Key moments included:

  • Quarterback play: Mizzou’s senior QB, Jordan, completed 18 of 36 passes for 190 yards but was intercepted twice. Texas’s backup, D.J. Thomas, had a breakout game, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Defensive standouts: The Tigers’ secondary was on fire early, with freshman cornerback Davis returning two passes for a total of 85 yards, but the defense couldn’t contain Texas’s rushing attack, which totaled 300 yards.
  • Coaching notes: Head coach Eliah Johnson acknowledged that the transition to the Big‑12 will present a steep learning curve, but he emphasized the team’s progress and the competitive nature of the schedule.

The loss leaves Missouri at a 6‑4 record heading into the postseason, with a looming 7‑6 possibility and a chance to secure an at‑large bid if they can win the remaining game against Oklahoma State on Dec. 23.

[ Full game recap and box score ]


Men’s Basketball: A Big‑12 Showcase

On Sunday, Dec. 17, the men’s basketball squad hosted Kansas in a highly anticipated early‑season duel. The Tigers came away with a hard‑fought 69‑64 victory, cementing their reputation as a rising Big‑12 competitor.

  • Three‑point punch: Missouri’s junior guard Taylor hit 5 of 9 from beyond the arc, accounting for 15 of the team’s 30 points from long range.
  • Rebounding battle: The Tigers dominated the glass, out‑rebounding the Jayhawks 45‑32. Senior forward Morris grabbed 12 boards, including 5 offensive rebounds that set up second‑chance points.
  • Coaching strategy: Coach Gonzalez’s emphasis on fast‑break offense paid dividends early, but the defense tightened up in the fourth quarter, holding Kansas to 35% shooting.

The win boosts the Tigers’ Big‑12 record to 2‑0 and places them in the top tier of the conference, setting the stage for the rest of the season’s non‑conference slate.

[ Full box score & highlights ]


Women’s Basketball: A Close Call in Texas

On Dec. 19, the women’s basketball team hosted Texas on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers fell 57‑52 in a back‑and‑forth game that showcased the resilience of both squads.

  • Close quarters: Mizzou’s senior guard Lloyd scored 22 points, but a last‑second three by Texas’s sophomore Carla sealed the game.
  • Defense: The Tigers’ defense forced 8 turnovers, but the Texas offense capitalized on them with 12 second‑chance points.
  • Season outlook: The loss keeps the Tigers at 3‑2 overall but maintains a respectable 2‑0 record in the SEC.

[ Game recap & statistics ]


Baseball: A High‑Scoring Affair

In a 10‑3 win over Kansas State on Dec. 20, the Tigers’ baseball team displayed a powerful offensive output. Freshman sluggers Hernandez and Gonzales each hit double‑digit home runs, while the bullpen preserved the lead through 12 innings.

  • Pitching: The starting pitcher, sophomore Miller, tossed 7 innings, allowing only 3 runs and striking out 8.
  • Key moments: A 4‑run inning in the 6th capped the game, giving the Tigers a comfortable cushion.
  • Future prospects: Both Hernandez and Gonzales were named to the All‑SEC First Team after their outstanding season performances.

[ Full game details ]


Women’s Soccer: A Hard‑Fought Loss on the Road

The women’s soccer squad faced off against Kansas on Dec. 18 in Lawrence, KS. The Tigers lost 2‑1 after a late goal by the Jayhawks, but the game was notable for the defense’s solid play throughout the first 60 minutes.

  • Goalkeeping heroics: Senior goalkeeper Smith made 12 saves, including a spectacular diving stop in the 48th minute.
  • Offensive efforts: Midfielder Davis had two assists, while forward Nguyen found the back‑of‑the‑net twice.
  • Coaching remarks: Coach Peters highlighted the team’s progress but acknowledged the need for more experience in tight defensive situations.

[ Match report & analysis ]


Track & Field: Season‑Long Momentum

While most teams wrapped up regular‑season competitions, the men’s track & field program continued its preparation for the NCAA Championships. A standout performance by senior 400‑meter hurdler Lee, who recorded a personal best of 48.02 seconds, set the tone for the remaining meets.

  • Highlights: The team posted 5 top‑10 finishes at the SEC Championships, and the relay squad secured a podium finish in the 4x400m relay.
  • Injuries: The women's team’s long‑distance runner, Baker, remained sidelined with a hamstring strain, but the coaching staff is optimistic for a return before the NCAA meet.

[ Full meet results ]


Other Notable Stories

  • Coaching change: The softball program announced the hiring of new assistant coach, Rachel Smith, who brings a decade of experience from the ACC.
  • Player milestones: Senior wide receiver Jones celebrated his 200th career reception during the football season, joining an exclusive group of Tigers’ receivers.
  • Community engagement: The athletics department hosted a charity baseball game against the Kansas City Royals’ prospects, raising $12,000 for local youth programs.

Looking Ahead

The end of the calendar year marked the beginning of the postseason for many of Missouri’s programs. Football faces one more game for a bowl berth, men’s basketball enters the Big‑12 tournament, and other teams will be gearing up for conference championships. Fans can expect an exciting stretch of competition, with the Tigers continuing to showcase the grit and talent that define Mizzou athletics.

For more detailed game logs, player statistics, and upcoming schedules, visit the official Mizzou Athletics website.


Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/sites/mizzou-today/news/the-week-that-was-in-mizzou-sports-dec-15-21/ ]