Watson VanderbiltWatson Vanderbilt
Men's Basketball

Mizzou Snaps Three-Game Losing Streak, Tops Vanderbilt, 77-67

Mizzou Men's Basketball (11-9, 2-6) picked up its 11th win of the season Saturday night, defeating Vanderbilt (9-12, 0-8) 77-67 at Mizzou Arena in the fourth annual #RallyFor Rhyan game.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men's Basketball (11-9, 2-6) picked up its 11th win of the season Saturday night, defeating Vanderbilt (9-12, 0-8) 77-67 at Mizzou Arena in the fourth annual #RallyFor Rhyan game. The Tigers nabbed their second conference victory while snapping a three-game losing streak.  The win also moves the Tigers to 4-0 all-time in #RallyForRhyan games. Mizzou raised more than $55,000 on Saturday to donate to pediatric cancer research.

Sophomore forward Jeremiah Tilmon dominated the 'Dores down low, going for 19 points and eight rebounds, helping Mizzou hammer Vanderbilt on the boards to the tune of a 37-26 advantage. Senior guard Jordan Geist tallied a solid all-around line, posting 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. The freshman duo of Javon Pickett and Torrence Watson also packed a vital scoring punch, as both guards chipped in with 12 points.

TURNING POINT

After leading by as much as 14 points, the Commodores cut the Tiger lead to just three points. Then, Geist and Watson took over.

Holding just a five point lead with 3:30 to go in the game, Watson launched a contested 25-footer that drew nylon to push the lead back out to eight points. After a layup from the 'Dores, Geist used a Tilmon screen to get some space and launched a three off the dribble that would rattle home. The 6-2 run would take just under a minute, giving the Tigers a decisive 68-59 lead with 2:38 to go.

TOP TIGERS

  • Tilmon dominated the painted area, scoring 19 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Tilmon was also 5-5 from the free throw line.
  • Geist slashed 16/5/6, marking the third time this season the senior guard has put up at least 15 points, five assists and five rebounds. He had no such performances before this season.
  • Pickett scored 12 points and pulled down five rebounds, tying his career high.
  • Watson also dropped 12 points, tying his career high. The last time Watson scored 12 points was against both Oral Roberts and UT Arlington.

GAME NOTES

  • Mizzou remains undefeated in #RallyForRhyan games, moving to 4-0 with the victory.
  • With the win, the Tigers snapped a three-game losing streak. The Tigers have never lost four in a row under head coach Cuonzo Martin.
  • The Tigers matched their season-low in turnovers, committing only nine on the night.
  • The freshman trio of Pickett, Watson and Xavier Pinson combined for a season-high 33 points. The trio previously scored 29 points earlier this season against UT Arlington (12/4/18).
  • With his 19 points, Tilmon has now scored 15+ points in his last three games, the first time he has done so in his career.
  • Tilmon has now scored in double figures 12 times this season. Mizzou improved to 9-3 when he scores 10+ points.

UP NEXT

The Tigers travel to Knoxville, Tenn., for another shot at No. 1 Tennessee on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

For all the latest on Mizzou Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@MizzouHoops).