No. 20 Missouri gets statement road win at No. 14 Mississippi State

The Tigers had their way from the floor, shooting 55 percent overall and 15-of-32 (46.9%) from three-point range. Bench production continues to carry Missouri. According to NCAA.com, Missouri was fourth in the country coming into Saturday with an average of 36.45 points per game. 

While senior guard Tamar Bates led the starters with 14 points (5-of-7 FG), 46 of the Tigers' 88 points came off the bench. Senior guard Caleb Grill had 20 points (6-of-11 3PT). Grill seemed to have endless range with this logo three just before halftime.

This was Grill's fifth game of the season with 20 or more points, so his production should not come as a surprise.

Mississippi State could not get in a much of an offensive rhythm. Held to just 20-of-55 shooting, most of its scoring came from sophomore guard Josh Hubbard (24 points, 7-of-13 FG). The Bulldogs came into Saturday averaging 80.8 PPG, which shows how impressive Missouri's defensive performance was.

With five losses in its last seven games. Mississippi State (16-6, 4-5 SEC) needs its defense to improve after allowing 88 points in back-to-back games.

For Missouri (17-4, 6-2 SEC), this was its sixth win in its last seven games and the third win over a ranked opponent in SEC play. With Missouri's next two games against current top-15 teams in No. 8 Tennessee and No. 13 Texas A&M, maintaining its consistent bench production and shooting efficiently are going to be crucial.