Missouri Basketball Surges to NCAA Tournament After Historic Turnaround

After a historically poor season where Missouri basketball finished 0-18 in conference play, head coach Dennis Gates has led the team to an impressive turnaround, entering the NCAA tournament with a 22-11 record. Gates credits his mentor, Leonard Hamilton, for providing guidance during his struggles, which helped spark the team's improvement. Meanwhile, Marquette prepares for a crucial Big East Tournament semifinal against St. John's, aiming to address weaknesses in rebounding and free-throw shooting. The Golden Eagles, who have lost twice to St. John's this season, seek to leverage their recent victory against Xavier to build momentum. Additionally, sophomore guard Zaide Lowery's football background has contributed to his rebounding prowess off the bench for Marquette, positioning him as a key player for the future. Both teams are focused on securing victories to advance in their respective tournaments.