Like they have all year, Robertson and Barnett shine for Missouri in senior night win
BRANSON MO NEWS: The lighthearted moment manifested last Thursday when Kassius Robertson was asked about the sneakers. They’re Nikes. They’re gold. They’re ripped. They’re rough.Jordan Barnett had noticed but he didn’t care.“As long as he gets buckets,” Barnett said, laughing.
Shared moments between Missouri’s (20-11, 10-8 Southeastern Conference) two senior leaders have been seldom seen this season — a season with twists and turns like your favorite nearby rollercoaster.But, like Thursday’s podium press conference in the bowels of Mizzou Arena, Saturday’s senior night was the exception. Missouri beat Arkansas on Saturday, 77-67, which likely secured Missouri’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 2013.“This is a team and fans that have seen the struggle,” Barnett said postgame. “So, to come out this season and get this 20th win, it means a lot.”In their final performances at Mizzou Arena against Arkansas (21-10, 10-8), Barnett scored a team-high 19 points, while Robertson added 13. The production is nothing new.If one thing is apparent through 31 games, it’s that 20 wins did not come easy for Missouri, nor would the number have been possible without Robertson (17.7 points per game) or Barnett (13.2 points per game).Before the season, the team’s postseason expectations hinged largely on the play of Michael Porter Jr. As the story goes, the freshman phenom underwent back surgery and has since been sidelined.Still, Missouri battled, even making it to the championship game of the AdvoCare Invitational against West Virginia. The Tigers led the Mountaineers by 16 points with eight minutes left but fumbled the ball and the game.“We should’ve beaten that team,” Robertson said afterwards.Months later, the Tigers made their way into conference play with a 10-3 record. A throwaway game against Florida hampered Missouri’s momentum, but a 15-point performance from …
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