Columbia, Mo. ? Missouri University’s men’s basketball team didn’t leave the Hearnes Center quietly, but the Tigers did leave losers.
Kansas University hit two big baskets in the final minute after a late run by Missouri, and the Jayhawks won their regular-season finale, 84-82, Sunday at the Hearnes Center, which will be replaced by a new arena in Columbia next season.
Missouri (15-12 overall, 9-7 Big 12 Conference) looked like it would run away early, taking a 7-2 lead and gaining momentum before KU tied the game at 7-all. The Jayhawks tied the game at 12-all a few minutes later on a three-pointer by Keith Langford and took a 19-18 lead on a jumper by Jeff Graves just more than six minutes in.
The Jayhawks (20-7, 12-4) again fell behind, but regained the lead by two points, 27-25, on a three-pointer by J.R. Giddens, marking the third lead change in the first half. KU jumped out to a six-point lead, 32-26, a few moments later, but Missouri closed the gap late in the first half and tied the game at 40-all on a three-pointer by Travon Bryant in the final minute.
Kansas scored the first six points of the second half, equaling its larget advantage. The Jayhawks were helped by Ricky Paulding leaving with an apparent injury.
Missouri closed the gap, though, led by Arthur Johnson. The senior center scored the Tigers first nine points of the second half, drawing them within a point twice, the latest at 50-49, just a few seconds before Paulding returned to the court.
The Jayhawks scored back-to-back baskets for a five-point lead, but the Tigers tied the game at 54-all on a pair of free throws by Paulding. Aaron Miles gave KU a two-point lead before Thomas Gardner gave Missouri a one-point advantage.
Kansas scored the next four points and took a 60-57 lead before a 5-0 run by Missouri. The Jayhawks regained the lead, though, scoring eight of the next 11 points, and grabbed the biggest lead of the game, 77-67, on a three-pointer by Aaron Miles with just less than five minutes left.
That three-pointer was KU’s last basket for more than three minutes, during which time Missouri closed to within a point with a nine-point spurt, eight of which came from Johnson.
Wayne Simien ended that run with a basket that gave KU a 79-76 lead, but Jason Conley brought Missouri within a point with a basket. He missed a free throw that would have tied the game, though.
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Conley made up for the mistake by stealing the ensuing inbounds pass and taking it the distance for a dunk and a one-point lead, 80-79.
Similar to last year, Miles hit a late three-pointer, this time giving KU a 82-80 lead. Conley hit another pair of free throws, tying the game, but David Padgett gave KU an 84-82 lead with the game-winning jumper with two seconds left.
Missouri had one final possession, but Miles picked off the inbounds play, giving KU the victory.
The Tigers likely will get another chance to defeat the Jayhawks on Friday. Missouri plays Texas A&M in the first-round of the Big 12 Tournament in Dallas, with the winner advancing to face KU at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Langford had 19 points, seven boards, six assists and two blocks, and Graves had six points before fouling out with 1:43 remaining. Giddens had 15 points and four rebounds, and Miles had 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Wayne Simien had 22 points and seven rebounds. Padgett scored six points and grabbed two rebounds;, Christian Moody hit a free throw, grabbed three boards and blocked a shot; and Michael Lee hit a free throw.
Johnson had a career-high 37 points, and grabbed eight rebounds for Missouri, and Bryant has five points and six boards.
Jimmy McKinney had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists, Jason Conley had 10 points and three assists, and Paulding had 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Thomas Gardner scored six points.
Kansas was 32-of-56 shooting from the field, including 10-of-18 shooting from long distance, and 10-of-14 shooting from the charity stripe.
Missouri was 28-of-60 shooting from the field, including 7-of-18 shooting from three-point range, and 19-of-32 shooting from the foul line.
The Jayhawks turned the ball over 16 times, and the Tigers had nine turnovers.
All stats are unofficial.
