Mizzou Dominates in the Paint to Beat South Carolina

Missouri's physical play and dominance inside led to a convincing victory over the Gamecocks.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Missouri Tigers used their size and physicality to control the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, winning 78-59. Missouri scored 30 points in the paint and outrebounded South Carolina 44-28, with senior forward Mark Mitchell recording a double-double. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead by scoring their first seven points in the paint, but had to adjust when South Carolina started double-teaming Mitchell and Shawn Phillips Jr. Missouri cleaned up its sloppy play in the second half and pulled away for the comfortable victory.

Why it matters

This win showcases Missouri's ability to impose its will in the paint and dominate physically, which could be a valuable asset as the Tigers navigate a tough SEC schedule. The Tigers have struggled to find consistent offensive production at times this season, so this performance is an encouraging sign that they can win games by controlling the interior.

The details

Missouri jumped out to a 15-4 lead early by scoring its first seven points in the paint and grabbing six offensive rebounds. The Tigers' size and length gave South Carolina problems, forcing the Gamecocks to double-team Missouri's big men. This led to turnovers and disrupted the Tigers' offense in the first half, allowing South Carolina to cut the lead to 4 points by halftime. But Missouri regained its focus in the second half, with Mark Mitchell and the interior scoring leading the way on a 17-5 run that put the game out of reach.

  • Missouri scored its first 7 points in the paint in the opening minutes.
  • Missouri turned the ball over 11 times in the first half as South Carolina adjusted.
  • Missouri opened the second half on a 17-5 run to pull away.

The players

Mark Mitchell

Missouri's senior forward recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Shawn Phillips Jr.

Missouri's senior forward was also a focus of South Carolina's defense in the paint.

Jayden Stone

Missouri's graduate guard scored 22 points and hit 3 three-pointers.

Trent Pierce

Missouri's junior forward got better looks as the Tigers' interior game opened up the offense.

Dennis Gates

Missouri's head coach made adjustments at halftime to get the team back on track.

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What they’re saying

“It was clear South Carolina couldn't match up with Missouri in the paint, so the Gamecocks made adjustments inside, mainly in the form of double-teaming seniors Mark Mitchell and Shawn Phillips Jr.”

— Natalie Tuleja, Author (themaneater.com)

“Missouri cleaned up its sloppy first-half play and looked for its top scorer in Mitchell. The team captain focused the attention back inside with a couple of emphatic finishes at the rim. After that, the offense started to take off again.”

— Natalie Tuleja, Author (themaneater.com)

What’s next

Missouri stays on the road to take on Texas A&M at 8 p.m. Wednesday in College Station, Texas.

The takeaway

This victory showcases Missouri's ability to dominate physically in the paint, which could be a valuable asset as the Tigers navigate a tough SEC schedule. After struggling with offensive consistency at times this season, this performance is an encouraging sign that Missouri can win games by controlling the interior.