Live Blog for Mizzou's Important Bubble Matchup Against Texas

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The physicality of Missouri's game against Texas matched the stakes of a February game that could have heavy implications for March.

After a tight first half, Missouri fell behind, losing 85-64 to Texas without having much of a shot at a comeback in the final nine minutes. The matchup was a crucial opportunity for both teams’ chances at the NCAA Tournament. Through the first two weeks of February, Missouri has teetered on both sides of the bubble.

The physical tone for the game was set less than three minutes into it, when center Shawn Phillips Jr. was called for a technical foul after getting physical with a defender after a Missouri shot fell in.

That physicality led to both Phillips and guard Anthony Robinson II reaching four personal fouls with nine minutes still left on the clock for the game. Guard Sebastian Mack missing the game with an illness added another challenge to the Tigers’ guard depth.

Feb 14, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) and Missouri Tigers guard Jayden Stone (17) fight for a rebound during the first half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

By the time those two had reached foul trouble, Missouri’s offense had gone through a stretch that put it behind, going through a span of 7:15 without a single field goal. Missouri entered the half trailing by just two, but the second half quickly became a different game.

In that time though, Missouri was able to get to the free-throw line — 14 of the Tigers’ 20 points through the first 11 minutes of the half were on free throws.

But the offensive lapse that saw Missouri shoot 28.6% from the field in the first 13 minutes of the half eventually caught up to the Tigers.

Though 3s were few in far between for both teams, Texas did manage to make shots from deep in key moments to create more separation. A 3 from Jordan Pope with 12:19 remaining put Texas ahead by two scores. Missouri never got back within one score after that make by Pope.

Meanwhile, though Missouri’s offense was able to fight for dunks throughout the night (15% of Missouri’s points came off dunks), the Tiger offense looked stuck at times without being able to generate on the perimeter. Missouri shot 44.9% on 3s, but it was on just 10 attempts.

Though Missouri missed out on a win that would’ve put it on firm ground for its run at the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers have more room to breathe after a road win over Texas A&M on Wednesday. But, the opportunities to build a strong enough resume for a bid are thinning for the Tigers. The loss is certainly a letdown for Missouri after what could've been a real stepping stone with the win over the Aggies.

Missouri will remain at home, next playing Vanderbilt at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Live Updates

Second Half

2:58 - Missouri 66, Texas 77

Most of the stands clearing out at Mizzou Arena at this break, with the Tigers falling far behind.

9:16 - Missouri 48, Texas 57

Ant Robinson II has picked up his fourth foul. Shawn Phillips Jr. also reached four fouls minutes ago.

11:33 - Missouri 47, Texas 51

Jordan Pope landed a 3 to put the Longhorns ahead by two scores again. Missouri's offense has gone a bit dry, but still managing to get to the free-throw line — 11 of the Tigers' 15 points in the half have been on free throws. But, have not made a single field goal in the last 3:11.

15:04 - Missouri 39, Texas 41

The officiating crew is splitting time talking to an angry Dennis Gates and an angry Sean Miller, as this game continues to be really physical.

Missouri just made a key play, with T.O. Barrett forcing a steal at half court that led to a dunk from Nicholas Randall.

First Half

First Half Stats

HALF: Missouri 31, Texas 33

1:32 - Missouri 31, Texas 30

Ant Robinson II just landed a shot that could be the start of digging himself out of this slump, making a step-back, and-one 3. His free throw, however, bounced off the rim.

3:41 - Missouri 27, Texas 26

This has been a pretty physical game so far that Missouri has mostly answered the call for, especially with Mark Mitchell.

12:23 - Missouri 12, Texas 10

Missouri already moving away from the seven-man rotation it ran against Texas A&M, having Nicholas Randall sub in. Dennis Gates said Friday that the shorter rotation was a matchup-specific decision.

14:14 - Missouri 11, Texas 7

The energy is definitely here from a sold-out Mizzou Arena crowd. Especially after guard Jayden Stone just had a ridiculous poster dunk right before the under 16 timeout.

Texas has been playing tight defense on the perimeter, but Missouri still finding lanes. Meanwhile, the Longhorns have had some poor shots fall short. Missouri has made four straight field goals, while Texas has made just one of its last seven.

oh no he didn't 👀👀@JaydenSballin #SCTop10 // #MIZ 🐯 pic.twitter.com/TruHlVwpaZ
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) February 15, 2026

Pre Game

Tonight's game has been delayed by 20 minutes due to a traffic incident that has delayed key personnel from arriving to the arena. 7:50 the new tipoff time.

Starting Lineups

Missouri	Texas
G T.O. Barrett	G Jordan Pope
G Jayden Stone	G Tramon Mark
F Trent Pierce	F Dailyn Swain
F Mark Mitchell	F Camden Heide
C Shawn Phillips Jr.	C Matas Vokietatis

Availability Report

Missouri
G Annor Boateng (Leg, season) - OUT
F Jevon Porter (Leg) - OUT
G Sebastian Mack (Illnes) - OUT

Texas
F Lassina Traore - OUT

How to Watch

Who: Missouri (17-7, 7-4 SEC) vs. Texas (15-9, 6-5 SEC)

When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri

TV: ESPN2

Radio: Tiger Radio Network (Mike Kelly, Color: Chris Gervino)

SiriusXM: Missouri - 392, Texas - 391

Series: Missouri leads 14-13, as the Tigers have won six of the last eight matchups.

Last Time Out, Missouri: The Tigers defeated Texas A&M on the road 86-85 as Trent Pierce and T.O. Barrett combined for 40 points. Despite allowing 11 made Aggie 3s in the first half, Missouri bounced back on the glass, out-rebounding Texas A&M 39 to 26.

Last Time Out, Texas: Texas defended its home court, defeating the Ole Miss Rebels 79-68, led by sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis' 27 points. Senior guard Tramon Mark added 19 points as the Longhorns outshot the Rebels 53 percent to 41 percent from the field.

Last Meeting: Jan. 21, 2025 - In a low-scoring game in Austin, Texas, the Longhorns prevailed 61-53.

Missouri Stat Leaders

Points: Mark Mitchell (17.2 on 53.8 FG%)
Rebounds: Mark Mitchell (5.7)
Assists: Mark Mitchell (3.5)

Texas Stat Leaders

Points: Dailyn Swain (17.3 on 57.4 FG%)
Rebounds: Dailyn Swain (7.3)
Assists: Dailyn Swain (3.5)