Missouri Aims for Pivotal SEC Tournament Win Over Kentucky

The Tigers look to build on their earlier victory over the Wildcats and boost their NCAA Tournament hopes.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:25pm

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Kentucky, fresh off an opening-round win over LSU, meets a rested Missouri squad in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Wednesday. Missouri, viewed as a potential No. 11 seed in multiple mock brackets, is fighting not just to make the NCAA Tournament but also to avoid a First Four game in Dayton, Ohio, next week. The Tigers defeated Kentucky 73-68 in Lexington, Ky., on Jan. 7, with Mark Mitchell leading the way with 21 points.

Why it matters

This matchup is crucial for Missouri's NCAA Tournament hopes, as a win over Kentucky would bolster their resume and potentially improve their seeding. Kentucky, on the other hand, is looking to build momentum after their opening-round victory over LSU.

The details

Kentucky got 23 points and eight rebounds from Otega Oweh (18.3 ppg) in their 87-82 win over LSU. The Wildcats played nine men, including Kam Williams, who logged 17 minutes and scored three points after missing the previous 12 games due to a broken foot. Missouri, led by Mark Mitchell (17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.6 apg) and Jayden Stone (13.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg), is 5-0 against teams remaining in their side of the SEC tournament bracket, including their earlier victory over Kentucky.

  • The game will take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Missouri defeated Kentucky 73-68 in Lexington, Ky., on Jan. 7, 2026.

The players

Otega Oweh

Kentucky's leading scorer, averaging 18.3 points per game.

Mark Mitchell

Missouri's leading scorer, rebounder, and assist man, averaging 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

Jayden Stone

Missouri's second-leading scorer, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“I thought O was great. He started out the game, grabbed a couple huge defensive rebounds to set the tone for us. Unbelievable decision-maker. Just the force he is offensively and defensively.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky Head Coach

“Wins above bubble is the matrix which the committee will continue to talk about. And right now, we're 37th in the country in that.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this game will advance to the SEC tournament semifinals, putting them one step closer to an NCAA Tournament berth.

The takeaway

This matchup between Missouri and Kentucky is a crucial one for both teams' NCAA Tournament aspirations. Missouri is looking to build on their earlier victory over the Wildcats and improve their seeding, while Kentucky is hoping to gain momentum after their opening-round win. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' postseason hopes.