Missouri faces Alabama State in final home game, missing key players and struggling offensively.

Missouri (8-2) seeks to fix inconsistent offense against Alabama State (3-6) in its final home game before facing Illinois on Dec. 22. The Tigers, coming off losses to Notre Dame and Kansas, are missing key players: guard Jayden Stone (injured) and forward Trent Pierce (lower-body), with starting point guard Anthony Robinson II struggling. Only Jacob Crews (13.8 ppg) and top scorer Mark Mitchell (18.4 ppg) average double figures. Coach Dennis Gates adjusted the lineup, inserting Annor Boateng. Missouri has had trouble closing out halves, a concern Mitchell acknowledged. Alabama State, despite a three-game losing streak, features a strong backcourt led by guards Asjon Anderson (17.9 ppg) and Micah Simpson (16.9 ppg), both key scorers after a strong start including a win at UAB. Coach Tony Madlock stressed the importance of tough nonconference schedules for SWAC teams.