**Upset in Columbia: No. 15 Missouri Shocks No. 4 Alabama in High-Scoring Thriller, 110-98**
College basketball fans were treated to a Saturday night stunner as the No. 15/16 Missouri Tigers pulled off a statement win over No. 4/4 Alabama, handing the Crimson Tide a rare and resounding 110-98 loss in Columbia. In a game that felt more like a March Madness shootout than a midseason SEC matchup, Missouri lit up the scoreboard and exposed cracks in one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.
From the opening tip, it was clear that the Tigers came to play with purpose, energy, and zero intimidation. Feeding off a raucous home crowd, Missouri’s offense caught fire early and never looked back. Led by a balanced attack that saw five players score in double figures, the Tigers used their speed, ball movement, and relentless pressure to outpace an Alabama squad known for its own explosive offense.
“We knew we had to play nearly perfect to beat a team like Alabama — and we did,” Missouri head coach Dennis Gates said after the game. “I’m proud of our guys for their composure, their effort, and for protecting our home court.”
Star guard Nick Honor was electric, finishing with 27 points, including six three-pointers that ignited the Mizzou Arena crowd at critical moments. Forward Kobe Brown added 22 points and 8 rebounds, anchoring a defense that forced Alabama into uncharacteristic turnovers and poor shot selection during key stretches of the game.
Alabama, coming into the matchup with championship aspirations and only one loss on the season, struggled to keep pace despite strong performances from Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, who combined for 46 points. The Crimson Tide shot a respectable 47% from the field but were undone by lapses on defense, allowing Missouri to shoot over 55% and knock down 14 three-pointers.
“This one hurts,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats admitted postgame. “Missouri was the tougher team tonight. They played with urgency and we didn’t match it, especially on the defensive end.”
The loss is Alabama’s second of the season and a potential shake-up moment in the national rankings. More importantly, it offers a wake-up call for a Crimson Tide team with Final Four hopes — reminding them that no road game in the SEC comes easy.
For Missouri, the win is more than just a boost in the standings. It’s a signature victory that puts the Tigers on the national radar and signals that they are a legitimate force in the conference race. The victory also marks Missouri’s first win over a top-five team since 2012 and sends a strong message ahead of the SEC Tournament.
As fans stormed the court in celebration, one thing was clear: Missouri basketball is back in a big way — and nobody is safe when the Tigers are playing with confidence.
Alabama may still have its eyes on the big prize, but Missouri just reminded the rest of the country that they’re capable of spoiling anyone’s dream season.
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