Purcell, who averages 12.7 rebounds per game, finished with just nine — two on the offensive end.
During one critical stretch, Missouri's Jordan Frericks rebounded a missed free throw and scored to give the Tigers a five-point lead with 1:24 remaining.
"They were just able to understand their [favorable] matchups, and they took advantage of them and they were able to post up their big guards against us, and then it was like a little breakdown on us, as well, not getting on the help side fast enough," Purcell said.
Still proud
Despite having their season end in an NCAA first-round game for the second-straight year, the Cougars were pleased with the way it went, winning their first WCC regular-season title and getting to 26 victories.