The Missouri basketball season came to a disappointing end on Thursday night, March 20, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, as the No. 6-seeded Tigers were upset by the No. 11-seeded Drake Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with a final score of 67-57. Players were visibly distraught in the locker room afterward, underscoring the gravity of the defeat for a team that was expected to win.
Despite their high-ranking seed, the Tigers struggled against Drake’s defense, which is known for its slow tempo. The Bulldogs (31-3, 17-3 Missouri Valley) employed a methodical strategy that effectively stifled Missouri’s (22-12, 10-8 SEC) offensive output. As graduate senior guard Marques Warrick reflected, “We came in to win, obviously. And for things to happen like that, you know, it's tough.”
The game featured only 65 possessions, tying it for the second-fewest in any contest for Missouri this season. Their inefficiency became glaringly evident as the Tigers shot just 11-of-29 on two-point attempts and 4-of-16 from beyond the arc. Missouri’s struggle was compounded by a disappointing end to the season, having lost six of their last eight games, including a troubling 1-5 mark in March.
Things had looked promising earlier in the year when Missouri managed to defeat powerhouse teams such as No. 4 Alabama, winning 110-98 on February 19, 2025. Their ability to knock off rank opponents was a bright spot in a season marred by inconsistency—after a program-ending 19-game losing streak in the previous season, Missouri was left to rebuild. They had been ranked as high as 14 in the AP Top 25 poll and earned a top-10 spot in KenPom's adjusted efficiency margin at one point.
Head coach Dennis Gates, who was under scrutiny after the abrupt end to the season, had much to consider post-game. Warrick’s sentiments reflected a sense of loss that resonated among the players: “It sucks to end like this.” But Warrick also emphasized pride in the team’s accomplishments, particularly given their path from the dismal previous season to the NCAA Tournament. Sophomore guard Anthony Robinson II added, “This team came far. People didn't even expect us to be here since last year. So you know, definitely proud of our team.”
The absence of in-game adjustments from Gates drew criticism. Observers noted that he appeared unprepared to counteract Drake’s strategy, leading some to suggest it was a coaching mismatch. Critics have also pointed out players’ shortcomings, like Tamar Bates's fade in performance during crucial games and Mark Mitchell's limited contributions due to injury. Junior forward Mark Mitchell was blunt when assessing their defeat, saying, “I think at times, we looked like the best team in the country. There's ups and downs and I think today just wasn't our day.”
The loss has reignited discussions about the strength of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With a record 14 teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, the SEC was deemed one of the strongest leagues this season. However, as Missouri’s exit became a flashpoint, chants from the Wichita crowd echoed, “O-ver-ra-ted, S-E-C,” casting a shadow over the conference’s overall performance. The SEC saw eight teams advance to the second round, yet six were eliminated in their initial matchups.
Ben McCollum, head coach of Drake, certainly had the tactical edge this time around. It was apparent that Missouri faced the dual challenge not only of external competition but also of internal pressure to perform at a high level. While Gates has established himself as a significant recruiter, which is crucial in the modern era of college basketball, the ability to adapt during games is something he must improve upon.
Many critics believe that next year poses uncertainty for the Tigers. With ten players reportedly retaining eligibility, roster changes feel inevitable, particularly in light of several struggles shown during their more recent games. While making the NCAA Tournament is an accomplishment in itself, questions linger about whether Gates can build on this season's foundation or if these setbacks will continue. A sports analyst noted, “It’s too early to decisively say the SEC has performed at, above or below its expected level.”
Looking ahead, the future of the program remains in flux. There’s cautious optimism surrounding Missouri, as the Tigers demonstrate the ability to recruit top talent even through challenging times. Whether they can learn from this first-round exit and strengthen their performance in the upcoming season will be critical in shaping the narrative of their continuing evolution.
Ultimately, Missouri’s NCAA exit serves as a reminder of the game’s unpredictable nature and the immense pressure of collegiate athletics. For now, the team will reflect on their season with mixed feelings—pride for their achievements yet disappointment in their abrupt ending.
