Back with a vengeance, Missouri is a legitimate contender in loaded SEC

If Mizzou is to continue its resurgence, it will need to continue three trends this season.

1. Score the basketball at a high rate

Mizzou is undefeated when scoring 80 points. The Tigers average 83.2 points per game, which is fifth-best in the SEC and makes them one of 60 teams in the country to average more than 80 points. While the 80-point threshold has led to success for Mizzou, it's not necessarily a requirement to make a deep run in March Madness. Four of the last 10 national champions averaged more than 80 points per game.

2. Hit the glass

Missouri is 11-1 when outrebounding its opponent. Its only loss was to No. 2 Auburn. In seven SEC games, Mizzou has outrebounded its opponent five times despite team rebounding being a weakness. The good news: The Tigers have found a way to win when they don't win the battle on the glass. Despite being outrebounded by Kansas and Florida, the Tigers prevailed.

3. Knock it down from deep

When Mizzou is on from three-point range, it's a tough team to beat. The Tigers are 12-0 when hitting eight or more three-pointers in a game. Caleb Grill is one of the best shooters in the country at a nation's-best 48% from deep. He's made at least three three-pointers in seven games this season, including two games with at least seven.

In a tough SEC, it's a good bet Mizzou will experience a few more bumps along the way, but Gates has his team competing in the nation's best conference. The win against Kansas was no fluke. Mizzou is for real, and the Tigers are a team to keep an eye on as March approaches.