STARKVILLE, Miss.  - Mizzou Men's Basketball was unable to land the shots it needed as the second half progressed, dropping a Southeastern Conference game at Mississippi State on Saturday night, 74-62. The Tigers and Bulldogs were tied at halftime at Humphrey Coliseum, 31-31, but Mizzou was unable to keep up with Mississippi State as time ticked down.

Graduate senior guard Kassius Robertson (Toronto, Ontario) played another solid game for Mizzou, scoring at least 20 points for the second consecutive game. Robertson poured in 20 points while shooting an efficient 8-for-14 from the field. The transfer from Canisius scored 21 points vs. No. 19 Auburn (Jan. 24) in prior action for the Tigers.

TURNING POINT

Mizzou came out of the break searching for its shot, and Mississippi State took advantage, going on a 31-19 run to take control. Though the Tigers would cut the lead back down to seven points in the closing minutes of the second half, it would not be enough, as the Bulldogs held the Tigers off to win by 12.

TOP TIGERS

• Junior guard Cullen VanLeer (Pacific, Mo.) stepped up into a bigger role off the bench, scoring 10 points on perfect 4-4 shooting, including 2-2 from deep range.
• Junior guard Jordan Geist (Fort Wayne, Ind.) led the team in rebounding from the point guard spot, grabbing seven boards.

UP NEXT

The Tigers finish up their two-game road swing, playing at Alabama on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT, and live coverage can be found on ESPN2 and the Tiger Radio Network.