After the first 20 minutes of play on Monday night, it looked like Kansas was going to breeze past Missouri and move to 9-0 in Big 12 play. The Tigers were playing at their trademark fast pace, but not with the results to which they've lately become accustomed. Rather than taking its opponent out of rhythm, Missouri was the one out of control, with 10 turnovers in the first 13 minutes of the game.
At the half Mizzou had just 16 points, and was shooting 25 percent from the field. In the second, they began to chip away at Kansas' 14-point lead, playing more in control against a team that wasn't used to 40 minutes at such a rapid pace. But every time they looked like they were about to get back in it, the Jayhawks would counter with a couple of quick baskets, mostly by way of transition layups.
With 5:32 left, the Tigers got the break they needed, as DeMarre Carroll's 3-pointer rattled in to pull Missouri within three. Thirty seconds later Cole Aldrich pulled down an offensive rebound, but was called for throwing an elbow. That set the stage for Missouri to tie it with 90 seconds remaining. The two sides then traded baskets, before Zaire Taylor made himself the hero, hitting a jumper to take the lead with two seconds left.
Cole Adrich's desperation attempt missed, ending Kansas' bid for a perfect Big 12 campaign. Despite the loss, the Jayhawks remain in good shape. They still have to travel to Norman, but are on track to finish with an excellent Big 12 record, and probably a No. 4 seed in the tournament. Losing on the road to an up and coming team like Missouri is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
This was the Tigers' fourth consecutive win, as they moved to 8-2 in conference. Their schedule now lets up for a bit, with games against Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas St., before they have to travel to Lawrence and then host Oklahoma in a four-day span. In past years that would seem like an overwhelming task, but this year's team, led by seniors Carroll and Leo Lyons, looks far superior to anything they've seen in Columbia recently.
