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2nd Exhibition: Mizzou Men’s Basketball Takes On UNLV

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The Missouri men’s basketball team travels to face UNLV this Thursday night for its second preseason exhibition game, a matchup that serves as a litmus test for a Tigers squad currently eyeing a return to national prominence. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT, with the game streaming live on MW+.

This isn’t just a tune-up game; it’s a glimpse into a season where Mizzou is carrying expectations. After finishing the 2025-26 season with a 20-13 record and securing their third NCAA Tournament bid in four years, the Tigers are competing in the SEC. For fans, the “so what” of this exhibition is the validation of the preseason hype: Mizzou is currently ranked as high as No. 14 in the Blue Ribbon Yearbook Top 25 and No. 16 by ESPN.

The Return of Mark Mitchell and the Rise of Jason Crowe Jr.

The Tigers enter this contest leaning heavily on Mark Mitchell, the lone returning starter and a statistical anomaly in program history. Mitchell didn’t just lead the team last season; he led the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists, averaging 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. In doing so, he became only the second player in Mizzou history to lead the team in all three areas, a feat previously achieved only by Albert White during the 1998-99 campaign.

UNLV vs. Missouri Preview: Tyrin Jones Returns for Exhibition Finale

Mitchell’s impact extends beyond Columbia. He was one of only eight players nationwide to record at least 600 points, 170 rebounds, and 110 assists during the 2025-26 season. That kind of versatility is the engine Dennis Gates is using to rebuild the program’s national profile.

While Mitchell provides the veteran stability, the buzz surrounding the 2026-27 season centers on freshman Jason Crowe Jr. A McDonald’s All-American who shattered the all-time scoring record in California during his high school career, Crowe has already signaled he’s ready for the college game. He was named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List on Oct. 26—one of only three freshmen among the 20 players recognized as the nation’s top point guard candidates.

Crowe’s debut in the first exhibition game against Kansas State provided a glimpse of that potential. He led Mizzou to a 71-67 victory last Friday, putting up 21 points and three steals. The Tigers showed a level of resilience, erasing a first-half deficit with a 13-0 run to start the second half.

A Familiar Face and a Brutal Calendar

Thursday’s game against the Runnin’ Rebels adds a layer of personal narrative. Sebastian Mack, who spent the 2025-26 season at Mizzou averaging 7.0 points over 18 games, is now on the opposite sideline. Mack has led UNLV in scoring during their first two exhibitions with 25 points against Utah and 26 against BYU.

UNLV enters this matchup after an 18-17 finish last year. They bring a core including Freshman of the Year Jackson Kiss and preseason All-MWC selections Tyrin Jones and AJ Storr. While UNLV has struggled in their early exhibition outings—dropping games to both Utah and BYU—their ability to put up points makes them a volatile opponent for a Mizzou team still refining its defensive rotations.

The stakes for Mizzou’s preparation are higher than usual because of what awaits them in November and December. The Tigers have constructed one of the most punishing schedules in the country, tied with Arizona for the most games against preseason AP Top 25 teams (11). This includes heavyweight clashes against No. 3 Illinois and No. 17 Kansas, along with matchups against Nebraska, Saint Louis, Indiana, and Marquette.

However, the Tigers are building under head coach Dennis Gates as he re-establishes the team on the national level.

The momentum is already visible in the polls. In the preseason AP poll, the Tigers are the top team receiving votes, collecting 167 points. To put that in perspective, it is the most support Mizzou has received in a preseason poll since 2012, when they were ranked No. 15 in the nation.

With Bryson Tiller providing a defensive anchor—highlighted by nine rebounds and five blocks in the K-State win—and Trent Pierce contributing in double figures, the Tigers are moving toward a balanced attack. The question remaining for Thursday is whether the Crowe-Mitchell duo can maintain their efficiency against a UNLV team that has already seen more live-game action this October.

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