Missouri Looks to Improve Free-Throw Shooting in Matchup Against South Carolina

Tigers currently rank last in SEC in free-throw percentage as they battle for NCAA Tournament berth

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Missouri's men's basketball team, currently sitting at 15-7 overall and 5-4 in SEC play, faces a crucial road matchup against South Carolina on Saturday. The key focus for the Tigers will be improving their dismal free-throw shooting, which ranks last in the SEC at just 67.4%. In their last game, a victory over Mississippi State, Missouri made 75.8% of their free throws, including 10 of 12 in the final two minutes to hold off the Bulldogs. The Tigers will need to continue that trend against a struggling South Carolina squad that has lost four straight and eight of its last 10 games.

Why it matters

Missouri's free-throw shooting woes could be the difference between making or missing the NCAA Tournament. As the Tigers battle to secure a spot in the field of 68, improving their performance at the charity stripe will be crucial, especially in close games on the road against conference foes like South Carolina.

The details

Missouri is led by forward Mark Mitchell, who is averaging 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Jayden Stone is also a key contributor, putting up 14.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. The Tigers have struggled on the road in SEC play, going just 1-3 so far. South Carolina, meanwhile, is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and has lost eight of its last 10 overall. Meechie Johnson has been a bright spot for the Gamecocks, averaging a team-high 16.5 points per game, including 22.6 points over his last seven outings.

  • Missouri faces South Carolina on Saturday, February 11, 2026.
  • In their last game, Missouri defeated Mississippi State 84-79 on February 4, 2026.

The players

Mark Mitchell

Missouri forward averaging 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Jayden Stone

Missouri guard averaging 14.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Meechie Johnson

South Carolina guard averaging a team-high 16.5 points per game, including 22.6 points over his last seven contests.

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What they’re saying

“That's good coaching. I was able to telepathically get into their brain right there on the line and start whispering, 'Calm down, calm down.' And you just saw a swish. So, the coaching. I'll take that today.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Head Coach

“We did a lot of right things that allowed us to be in a position to win the game. ... Our first responsibility was to do enough right things that when it got to game-winning time, you were right there to win the game. It stings to be in that position and then in the last 2 1/2, 3 minutes, not be in a position to win the game.”

— Lamont Paris, South Carolina Head Coach

“Meechie has had a good year. He's been getting better at his one-on-one attacking. So he's been doing that a lot more, I'd say, in the last few games, especially getting to the rim and finishing strong. That's been a point of emphasis for him to try to improve.”

— Lamont Paris, South Carolina 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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.