Alabama State vs Missouri: Tigers look to dominate at home, but the Hornets have one shocking factor working in their favor

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By: Michael Brown

Missouri looks to get back into the win column tonight against Alabama State. The undefeated Tigers (7-0) face the struggling Hornets (3-6) at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. This matchup comes at a critical juncture for the ranked program.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Missouri has won 7 straight games and sits at No. 6 in national rankings
  • Alabama State is losers of 5 of their last 6 games heading into tonight
  • The Tigers shoot 52% from the field while scoring 93.9 PPG this season
  • Game tips off at 7 PM CT / 8 PM EST Thursday night at Mizzou Arena

Missouri’s Dominant Home Court Advantage

The Missouri Tigers bring an impressive 7-0 record into Thursday’s matchup, establishing themselves as one of the nation’s elite teams early in the 2025-26 season. Playing at home in Mizzou Arena, the Tigers possess a formidable advantage against a struggling Alabama State team.

Head coach Cuonzo Martin’s squad shoots at a remarkable 52% clip from the field and scores an impressive 93.9 points per game. The offensive firepower should prove overwhelming for an Alabama State defense that allows 81.4 PPG and is ranked No. 270 in KenPom efficiency ratings.

Key Performers Set to Battle Tonight

Mark Mitchell leads the Missouri Tigers with 18.4 PPG, the transfer from Duke continuing his stellar play for the program. Fellow Kansas City native and Missouri standout Tamar Bates provides crucial scoring support and playmaking abilities for the Tigers.

Alabama State’s Tony Madlock coaches a team searching for offensive consistency. The Hornets attempt to keep pace with a Missouri team that simply overpowers most opponents on any given night. Asjon Anderson leads Alabama State’s scoring efforts in their challenging 2025-26 campaign.

Matchup Factor Missouri Tigers Alabama State Hornets
Record 7-0 3-6
Points Per Game 93.9 PPG 79.4 PPG
Leading Scorer Mark Mitchell (18.4 PPG) Asjon Anderson (TBA)
Rebounds Per Game 39.8 RPG 36.9 RPG
Home/Away Status Home in Columbia, MO Traveling to Mizzou Arena

The Hornets’ Uphill Battle Tonight

Alabama State enters Mizzou Arena as massive underdogs in a game where few observers give them any realistic chance of pulling off a stunning upset. The Hornets sit at 3-6 overall after dropping three consecutive games recently. Coach Tony Madlock‘s team must find a way to compete offensively against a Missouri defense that has proven stingy throughout the season.

The Hornets struggle on defense, allowing 81.4 PPG, making it nearly impossible to slow down Missouri’s high-powered offense. Even with strong three-point shooting at 35.9% from downtown, Alabama State faces a nearly insurmountable task against Ranked Missouri on the road.

Expert Analysis: What to Watch For?

Multiple analysts predict a substantial Missouri victory, with projections ranging from Mizzou 98, Alabama State 72 to even more dominant margins. The Tigers look to earn their first win of December after recent losses, using dominant home-court advantage to assert their credentials among the nation’s elite programs.

Watch whether Alabama State can keep pace early in the game or if Missouri establishes immediate control. The Tigers’ ability to get into transition and score quickly should prove the decisive factor. Alabama State‘s three-point shooting will be critical in any hope of staying competitive throughout the evening.

Sources

  • ESPN – Live coverage and team statistics for Alabama State vs Missouri
  • Rock M Nation – Missouri Tigers basketball preview analysis
  • Covers.com – Alabama State vs Missouri game predictions and odds

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