Live Blog of Mizzou Against No. 19 Vanderbilt

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Dennis Gates and Missouri are in the middle of the most important stretch of its season right now. It's getting into do-or-die mode for the Tigers, who are hunting for more big wins to sneak into the NCAA Tournament.

Next up on that stretch for the Tigers is the No. 19 Vanderbilt Commodores, a squad that sits at 21-4 on the season and 8-4 in conference play. They've won five of their last six games and continue to be one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference, which has surprised many.

Down this important stretch for the Tigers, which includes matchups against Arkansas and Tennessee, is not committing self-imposed errors.

"We just got to continue to show growth, show the things where we're not self-inflicting, whether it's blown coverages or turnovers," Missouri head coach Dennis Gates told the media on Tuesday. "You got to take care of the basketball."

Follow along below for live updates and analysis of Missouri's ranked matchup against Vanderbilt.

Live Updates

Second Half

11:38 - Missouri 54, Vanderbilt 38

Despite Missouri's lead growing, another important Tiger is in foul trouble. Stone just picked up his third on a questionable touch foul, but he's going to the bench nonetheless. The Tigers will have to manage these and coast to a comfortable time with them on the bench, while also maintaining this lead.

13:00 - Missouri 52, Vanderbilt 38

Phillips just picked up his fourth foul of the game in a matter of seconds after replacing Burns. Burns went right back into the game after that, which will likely leave him on the court for the remainder of the second half.

15:23 - Missouri 47, Vanderbilt 33

The Tigers are on a 10-0 run and have opened up a 14-point lead to start the second half. Triples from Stone and Trent Pierce with fancy assists from Barrett have also ignited Mizzou Arena. Holding onto this lead will now be the biggest challenge.

17:20 - Missouri 39, Vanderbilt 33

Trent Burns is in the game early to replace Phillips to prevent him from picking up more fouls. This is the most extensive run Burns has earned all season and he's blocked one shot and grabbed two rebounds, so far.

First Half

First Half Stats

First half stats | StatMonitr, Mizzou Athletics

HALF: Missouri 36, Vanderbilt 30

1:43 - Missouri 31, Vanderbilt 28

Both offenses have stalled a little bit over the last few minutes of the half. The defensive intensity, however, has picked up. Both teams are also starting to get to the free-throw line more as fouls are racking up. Missouri has attempted 11 and Vanderbilt has attempted six.

3:56 - Missouri 29, Vanderbilt 25

Barrett has now hit two triples in the first half and is up to 10 points in total. The Tigers have been able to generate some stops on the other end, as well.

7:51 - MIssouri 21, Vanderbilt 15

Another big triple from Stone has vaulted the Tigers ahead further. This one came with an extra point after getting fouled, as well. Missouri is also getting some quality minutes out of redshirt freshman big man Trent Burns, who altered a shot and grabbed a board.

11:12 - Missouri 14, Vanderbilt 13

Missouri has its first lead of the night after a triple from Jayden Stone. The Tigers are still struggling on offense, but have taken advantage of a few opportunities over the last stretch of minutes to jump ahead. Barrett has been at the forefront of the run.

15:24 - Missouri 4, Vanderbilt 9

Missouri is off to a slow start on offense. Vanderbilt's been suffocating in the paint and has done an excellent job running the Tigers off the perimeter. T.O. barrett and Shawn Phillips Jr. were also pulled out of the game early in favor of Anthony Robinson II and Nicholas Randall.

Pre Game

Starting Lineups

Missouri	Vanderbilt
G T.O. Barrett	G Tyler Tanner
G Jayden Stone	F Tyler Nickel
F Trent Pierce	F AK Okereke
F Mark Mitchell	F Jalen Washington
C Shawn Phillips Jr.	F Devin McGlockton

Availability Report

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

Boateng and Porter are still out for the Tigers, but junior guard Sebastian Mack is off the injury report after being sick for their last game against Texas. He could provide some important depth for the Tigers if Anthony Robinson II or others get into foul trouble.

Vanderbilt
G Duke Miles - OUT
G Frankie Collins - OUT

Despite both players making progress toward returning to the floor, two of Vanderbilt's most important guards remain out during a crucial stretch of play. Miles is currently the second leading scorer for the Commodores.

How to Watch: Mizzou men's basketball vs. No. 19 Vanderbilt

Who: Missouri (17-8, 7-5 SEC) vs. No. 19 Vanderbilt (e21-4, 8-4 SEC)

When: 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18

Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri

TV: SEC Network

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

SiriusXM: Missouri - 190, Texas - 191

Series: Missouri leads 10-9.

Last Time Out, Missouri: The Tigers were beaten down by the Texas Longhorns at home, losing 85.68. It was a game the Tigers were supposed to win on paper and now they are on the outside looking in of the NCAA tournament bubble.

Last Time Out, Vanderbilt: The Commodores comfortably beat Texas A&M, a team that the Tigers barely squeaked by on the road two games ago. Vanderbilt won 82-69, led by a 25-point performance from forward Tyler Nickel.

Last Meeting: Jan. 21, 2025 - The Tigers lost 93-87 in overtime in Nashville. This was one of the last games of the season for the Tigers and it ended up being an important defeat.

Missouri Stat Leaders

Points: Mark Mitchell (17.2 on 53.9 FG%)
Rebounds: Mark Mitchell (5.6)
Assists: Mark Mitchell (3.4 on 1.9 turnovers)

Vanderbilt Stat Leaders

Points: Tyler Tanner (18.3 on 47.2 FG%)
Rebounds: Devin McGlockton (6.9)
Assists: Dailyn Swain (5.4 on 1.9 turnovers)