The World’s Not Falling: No. 22 Mizzou Eyes Shooting Improvement Against No. 16 Ole Miss
For No. 22 Missouri (Mizzou), the 2025 season has brought a mix of high expectations and notable challenges. The Tigers, who have been a consistent contender in the SEC, find themselves in a familiar situation: great talent, but plagued by inconsistent shooting. With an upcoming showdown against the No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels on the horizon, the question for Mizzou is clear: can they overcome their shooting struggles and continue their rise in the rankings?
A Season of Promise
At the beginning of the season, Mizzou was brimming with optimism. Their core, led by standout players such as senior guard Kobe Brown and sophomore forward Noah Carter, had the potential to make a serious run not only in the SEC but also on the national stage. Coach Dennis Gates, who took the helm in 2023, had shown flashes of brilliance in his system, and fans were hopeful that Mizzou would build upon a successful 2024 campaign.
However, despite their promising record and competitive spirit, Mizzou has found it difficult to sustain shooting consistency. While they have the tools to succeed—athleticism, depth, and strong defense—shooting woes have reared their head at critical moments.
Shooting Struggles: A Persistent Issue
It’s not that Mizzou lacks shooters. Brown, for example, is a versatile scorer capable of hitting from all areas of the floor. Carter, too, has shown flashes of excellence. But the issue has been consistency. Mizzou’s three-point shooting, in particular, has been erratic. In some games, they shoot over 40% from deep, but in others, they can’t seem to find their rhythm. Whether it’s poor shot selection, lack of ball movement, or defensive pressure, these struggles have hindered their overall offensive flow.
As the Tigers prepare for their game against Ole Miss, one thing is clear: they cannot afford to be one-dimensional. The Rebels, under head coach Kermit Davis, boast a balanced attack and solid defense. Ole Miss has a reputation for stifling teams with their defensive schemes, so Mizzou will need to figure out how to solve their shooting issues while also staying true to their identity—aggressive offense and tough defense.
The Ole Miss Challenge
No. 16 Ole Miss presents a formidable challenge for Mizzou. The Rebels have been a top-tier team in the SEC for the past few seasons, with a roster full of skilled players capable of creating mismatches on both ends of the court. Ole Miss’ defense is one of the best in the conference, and they pride themselves on making life difficult for opponents in the half-court and in transition.
In addition to their defensive prowess, Ole Miss is known for their offensive balance. Guard Jarkel Joiner is one of the top scorers in the SEC and a dynamic playmaker. Forward Jaemyn Brakefield provides a strong inside presence, and the Rebels’ ability to hit timely shots from the perimeter keeps opposing defenses honest.
For Mizzou to have a shot at victory, they’ll need to focus on a few key areas: reducing turnovers, improving their three-point shooting, and exploiting mismatches offensively.
Adjusting the Game Plan: The Importance of Ball Movement
One area where Mizzou can make strides is in their ball movement. In some of their losses, the Tigers have been slow to generate open looks, relying too heavily on isolation plays or forcing shots. Against a defense as strong as Ole Miss’, this kind of approach won’t suffice.
Coach Gates will likely encourage more player movement, cutting off the ball, and quicker ball reversal to create open shots. In their previous games, Mizzou has shown the ability to score efficiently when they move the ball well, creating opportunities for shooters like Brown and Carter to get open looks. The key will be making sure those shots fall.
“Sometimes we overthink the offense,” said Brown in a recent interview. “When we trust the system, let the ball do the work, we find good looks. We just have to make them. The more we share the ball, the more open shots we get, and the better the flow is.”
This emphasis on ball movement will be crucial against Ole Miss, where defensive pressure is a constant. The Rebels are known for forcing turnovers, which could be a potential weakness for Mizzou. If they are careless with the ball or struggle to create clean looks, Ole Miss could easily capitalize on fast-break opportunities.
The Three-Point Conundrum
When it comes to shooting, Mizzou’s biggest concern is their perimeter shooting. They are currently shooting under 33% from beyond the arc, which is one of the lowest percentages in the SEC. While they’ve been able to rely on their defense and inside scoring to compensate, if they’re going to beat a team like Ole Miss, they’ll need to find more success from the three-point line.
Coach Gates has acknowledged that Mizzou’s perimeter shooting is an area of concern but also an area that can improve with more practice and focus. The Tigers have the shooters—players like Brown and Carter are capable of hitting from long range. It’s about finding consistency, especially in high-pressure situations.
In their last game against Auburn, Mizzou shot just 5-of-22 from deep, a performance that led to a narrow loss. “We just missed shots that we normally make,” said Carter. “It’s frustrating, but we can’t let it define us. We’ve got to keep shooting with confidence and stay aggressive.”
That mentality will be key against Ole Miss. If Mizzou can hit their three-pointers at a higher rate, it will force the Rebels to extend their defense, opening up more driving lanes for players like Brown and Carter.
Defensive Focus: Containing Joiner and Brakefield
On the defensive end, Mizzou has been solid throughout the season, ranking in the top half of the SEC for points allowed per game. Against Ole Miss, however, they’ll need to step up their defensive game to limit the Rebels’ two biggest offensive threats: Jarkel Joiner and Jaemyn Brakefield.
Joiner, one of the top guards in the conference, is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, including driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, and knocking down threes. He’s also an excellent passer, so Mizzou will need to be disciplined in their rotations and contain him without giving him easy opportunities.
Brakefield, on the other hand, is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor with his shooting and finish at the rim. He’ll likely be matched up with Carter or Brown, both of whom have the size and athleticism to make it a difficult night for him. The key for Mizzou will be preventing Brakefield from establishing a rhythm early on.
In their previous games, Mizzou has had success defending against elite players by applying consistent pressure and switching on screens. However, against Ole Miss, they’ll need to ensure they don’t over-commit to stopping Joiner and leave Brakefield or other players wide open.
Keys to Victory
For Mizzou to emerge victorious over Ole Miss, there are several keys to focus on:
- Improve Perimeter Shooting: The Tigers need to find their shooting touch from beyond the arc. Whether it’s getting Brown, Carter, or others involved, they’ll need to hit timely three-pointers to keep Ole Miss on their heels.
- Ball Movement and Offensive Flow: Against Ole Miss’ defense, Mizzou cannot rely on isolation basketball. Moving the ball quickly, creating open looks, and trusting the system will be crucial.
- Defensive Discipline: Mizzou must clamp down on Joiner and Brakefield, making sure they don’t get easy opportunities to score. Switching defensively and staying active on the perimeter will be key.
- Limit Turnovers: Ole Miss thrives on creating turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Mizzou must limit their mistakes and be deliberate with their offensive sets.
- Confidence and Composure: Despite their shooting struggles, the Tigers must remain confident and stick to their game plan. If they keep their composure and continue to play their style of basketball, they have the potential to pull off an important win.
