Mizzou Falls to Drake 67-57 in NCAA Tournament

The Missouri Tigers faced a disappointing exit in the first round of the NCAA tournament, losing to the 11-seeded Drake Bulldogs 67-57. Despite having a successful season overall, Missouri struggled offensively, shooting only 33% from the field, which was largely attributed to Drake's strong defensive performance. Head coach Dennis Gates acknowledged the season's achievements but lamented the team's inability to secure loose balls and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Players Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill noted the challenges posed by Drake's defensive strategy, which effectively neutralized Missouri's offensive plans. This matchup marked a significant moment for many Tigers players, some of whom were experiencing NCAA tournament play for the first time. While the loss was a setback, the team had previously expressed excitement over their overall season and the journey leading to March Madness.