Mizzou Basketball Dominates Bethune-Cookman, Secures 10th Win of Season
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Columbia, MO – December 14, 2025 – The University of Missouri men’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance Sunday afternoon, defeating Bethune-cookman 82-60 and improving their record to 10-2. The tigers showcased a powerful inside game and consistent shooting, leaving the Wildcats struggling to keep pace. This victory marks a meaningful stride for Mizzou as they prepare for a crucial upcoming rivalry game.
First-Half surge Sets the Tone
Missouri established control early, initiating the game with a 7-2 run fueled by a quick basket from junior anthony Robinson II. A subsequent 8-0 run, punctuated by a thunderous dunk from senior Shawn Phillips Jr. and a key defensive block,extended the led to eight points. Senior Mark Mitchell’s fastbreak
How did Dennis Gates impact Missouri’s team identity upon his arrival in 2022?
Wikipedia‑Style Context
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) Tigers men’s basketball program, founded in 1906, competes in the NCAA Division I’s Southeastern Conference (SEC). After a historic run to the Elite Eight in 2022 under former coach Cuonzo Martin, the Tigers hired Dennis Gates in March 2022. Gates quickly restored a high‑tempo, defense‑first identity and, by the 2025‑26 season, Mizzou had built a reputation as a national‑ranking team that emphasizes inside scoring, three‑point shooting efficiency, and disciplined rebounding. The 2025 roster blends experienced seniors such as senior forward Shawn Phillips Jr. with emerging talents-including guard Jordan Crews, who entered the season as the Tigers’ second‑year point guard and a leading scorer in the non‑conference schedule.
The Bethune‑Cookman University Wildcats men’s basketball program began competition in 1965 and, after decades in the Mid‑Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 2021. Historically a mid‑major program, the Wildcats have made occasional NCAA Tournament appearances (most recently in 2019) and are known for a fast‑break offense that relies on guard play and perimeter shooting. Their non‑conference schedule typically includes a handful of games against Power‑Five opponents, providing exposure and recruiting benefits.
The december 14 2025 meeting in Columbia, MO, marked the first-ever head‑to‑head contest between the SEC’s Missouri Tigers and the SWAC’s Bethune‑Cookman Wildcats. Prior to the game, the Tigers entered with a 9‑2 overall record (5‑0 in SEC play) and were ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25; the Wildcats were 5‑5 overall (2‑1 in SWAC).The win pushed Missouri’s record to 10‑2, solidified its conference standing, and gave the program a perfect 1‑0 record against Bethune‑Cookman.
Key Game data
| Statistic | Missouri Tigers | Bethune‑Cookman Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 82 | 60 |
| Field Goals (Made‑Attempted) | 36‑12 (75 %) | 22‑45 (48 %) |
| Three‑point Shots (Made‑Attempted) | 12‑22 (55 %) | 5‑18 (28 %) |
| Free Throws (Made‑Attempted) | 28‑30 (93 %) | 11‑15 (73 %) |
| Rebounds (Off / Def) | 22 / 20 (42) | 12 / 18 (30) |
| Assists | 18 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Leading Scorer (Points) | Jordan Crews – 20 | James Moore – 14 |
| Attendance | 10,832 (Mizzou Arena) | – |
Key Figures Involved
- Jordan Crews – Guard (Sophomore): 20 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds; season average 12.4 ppg, 3.1 apg.
- Dennis Gates – Head Coach (Missouri): 4th season at Mizzou; career record 85‑45, known for aggressive press defense.
- Shawn Phillips jr. – Forward (Senior): 14 points, 9 rebounds; provides interior presence and leadership.
- Mark Mitchell – Guard (Senior)
