Thrilling Showdown: Missouri Edges Out Florida 83-82 in Nail-Biting January Clash

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — — Caleb Grill netted 22 points, which included two free throws with just 5 seconds left, leading Missouri to surprise No. 5 Florida with an 83-82 victory on Tuesday evening, thus breaking the Gators’ 16-game home winning streak.

Mark Mitchell contributed 15 points and eight rebounds for the Tigers (14-3, 3-1 Southeastern Conference), achieving their first victory on the road against a top-five squad since 2012.

Anthony Robinson II added 12 points for Mizzou, which outclassed their opponents in the first half, establishing a 19-point advantage.

Grill sank four 3-pointers within the first 10 minutes, netting three consecutive times, as the Tigers continually pulled ahead. He also made a 3 with 2:23 remaining — although replays indicated his foot was on the line.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old graduate student missed two free throws a minute later. He made up for that with a crucial shot when the game was on the line.

Florida (15-2, 2-2), who was regarded as a 10-point favorite, showed signs of life in the second half but could never take the lead.

Walter Clayton Jr. topped the scoring for the Gators with 28 points.

Key Observations

Missouri: Despite a significant loss at Auburn, the Tigers deserve recognition as one of the elite teams in the SEC after securing three consecutive victories.

Florida: The Gators anticipated this sort of performance. Coach Todd Golden emphasized throughout the week how the stakes were rising with each victory.

Pivotal Moment

Clayton approached the free-throw line for three attempts with 2:38 remaining in the game, missing the initial two. The Gators were trailing by five and felt confident relying on a career 88% shooter, but he disappointed them.

Significant Statistic

Missouri secured 15 offensive rebounds, showcasing an intensity and physicality in the O’Connell Center that Florida is typically known for.

Next on the Schedule

Missouri will host Arkansas on Saturday. Florida will host Texas earlier that same day.

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