Missouri Tigers Seek Third Win in Four Games Against South Carolina Gamecocks

The Tigers look to pick up a key SEC road win as they continue their push for an NCAA tournament bid.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Missouri Tigers are coming off a bye week and will face the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks on the road. Missouri is looking to pick up its third win in the last four games as it continues its push for an NCAA tournament bid. South Carolina has only won two SEC games this season and has suffered multiple blowout losses, but Missouri head coach Dennis Gates is not taking the Gamecocks lightly.

Why it matters

This is an important game for Missouri as it tries to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. A win over South Carolina would give the Tigers their sixth SEC victory and help solidify their tournament resume. The Gamecocks have struggled in conference play, making this a realistic opportunity for Missouri to pick up a road win.

The details

Missouri is coming off a thrilling 84-79 victory over Mississippi State in its last game. The Tigers led for most of the game but had to hold off a late Bulldogs comeback. Closing out games will likely be a focus for Missouri against South Carolina. The Gamecocks have lost four straight SEC games, including an 84-75 defeat against Texas in their last outing. South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson scored 35 points in that loss.

  • The game will be played on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at noon.
  • Missouri and South Carolina last met on February 25, 2025, with the Tigers winning 101-71 at home.

The players

Dennis Gates

The head coach of the Missouri Tigers basketball team.

Mark Mitchell

A Missouri Tigers guard who led the team with 19 points in the win over Mississippi State.

Meechie Johnson

A South Carolina Gamecocks guard who scored 35 points in the team's last game against Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lamont Paris has done a great job there. They've had battles, they've done things in home court against some teams, and they are a well-coached team with a great roster. We got our hands full, and we got to go out and give our very best.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Tigers Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game represents an important opportunity for the Missouri Tigers to pick up a key SEC road win and continue their push for an NCAA tournament bid. While South Carolina has struggled this season, the Tigers cannot take the Gamecocks lightly, as they are a well-coached team that has been competitive at home.