In a rebuilding season that more than likely will not end with an NIT invitation, seeing young players progress and seeing the team fight in road games are what to look for most. On Tuesday night, Missouri showed it has moxie, but the Tigers didn’t muster enough offensive pop in a 72-60 loss to No.1 Tennessee.
Javon Pickett got going early and often, draining a three to open up the Tigers’ scoring. Not long after, he seemed to be able to drive at will, ending the first half with 10 points. The freshman quieted down a bit after the break, but seeing how electric of a savvy slasher out of Belleville East could be is fantastic news for a young Missouri team.