Late comeback falls short as K-State falls to Mizzou 71-67

Sophomore guard Montana Wheeler (#11) floats up for a layup on a fast break. The Wildcats fell to the University of Missouri 71-67 in an exhibition match on Oct. 23 at Bramlage Coliseum. (Ethan Gaines)

K-State men’s basketball took on the University of Missouri Tigers at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, marking the first opportunity to see the Wildcats under new head coach Casey Alexander as they faced a Mizzou team coming off another NCAA Tournament appearance. The last time these two teams met was in 2018, with K-State taking the matchup 82-67. 

The Wildcats started strong, opening the game with a 9–0 run and taking a 32–27 lead into halftime. However, Mizzou responded with a 13–0 run to begin the second half, shifting the momentum and eventually building a 14-point lead. K-State continued to compete, cutting the deficit to two points in the final seconds, but Missouri held on for a 71–67 victory.

Freshman Jason Crowe Jr. led Mizzou with 21 points and five assists. For K-State, Brandon Rechsteiner contributed 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while the Wildcats received double-digit scoring from multiple players. Mizzou’s Bryson Tiller also made a defensive impact with nine rebounds and five blocks.

The game offered several opportunities to discuss K-State’s new roster, its adjustment to Alexander’s system and the importance of rebounding, ball security and consistent shooting. 

The result did not count toward either team's regular-season record, as it was an exhibition game, but both programs gained valuable experience ahead of the regular season.

unior forward Isaiah Abraham (#7) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against the University of Missouri. The Wildcats fell to Mizzou 71-67 in an exhibition match on Oct. 23 at Bramlage Coliseum.