Fri Nov 21 01:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Mizzou Set to Renew Acquaintances with South Dakota in Thursday Matchup

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Mizzou Tigers (5-0) are set to face off against the South Dakota Coyotes (3-2) this Thursday at 7 p.m. CT at Mizzou Arena, but the game is more than just a non-conference contest – it’s a reunion for both head coaches. Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates and South Dakota head coach Eric Peterson were once assistant coaches together for Fox Valley Skillz, an AAU team in Wisconsin, back in 2003.

Mizzou is looking to extend their five-game winning streak after a decisive 91-73 victory over Prairie View A&M. The Tigers are also expecting the return of sophomore wing Annor Boateng, while forwards Trent Pierce and Trent Burns remain sidelined.

South Dakota is coming off a strong 19-14 season under Peterson, with the team returning a lot of experience from last year. This marks the first meeting between Mizzou and USD since 1976, where the Tigers won 85-76.

Gates expressed his excitement about coaching against his former colleague, noting Peterson’s impressive work with the Coyotes. “He’s done a great job, very impressed with his teams,” Gates said. “They return a lot of their guys… When you have that type of continuity, it can pose problems to any opponent.”

A key factor for Mizzou will be limiting South Dakota’s second-chance opportunities. The Coyotes are strong on the offensive boards, led by players like Evan Anderson, Jake Brack, and Cameron Fens. The Tigers will also need to win the free throw battle.

Despite the Coyotes having a strong offensive rebound, Mizzou has an advantage in size that should mitigate South Dakota’s strengths and make for an easy win, with a predicted score of 98-70.

The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Projected Starters:

  • Missouri: Anthony Robinson II, Sebastian Mack, Mark Mitchell, Jevon Porter, Shawn Phillips Jr.
  • South Dakota: Jordan Crawford, Evan Anderson, Shay Eberwein, Isaac Bruns, Cameron Fens.

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