Missouri's Anthony Robinson II shines with record 29 points against California

In a thrilling college basketball matchup in the United States, Missouri overcame a significant 16-point halftime deficit to secure a 98-93 victory against California on December 3, 2024, as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge. Anthony Robinson II emerged as the star of the night, scoring a career-high 29 points, showcasing an impressive shooting performance where he made 8 of 11 attempts from the floor and converted 13 of 15 free throws. Alongside Robinson, Mark Mitchell contributed notably with 21 points, while Tamar Bates and Marques Warrick added 15 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench. The game narrative shifted dramatically with Missouri's impressive second-half effort, where the team shot a remarkable 85% from the line and only took three shots from beyond the arc. This aggressive and efficient offensive display helped erase the hefty deficit established by California, particularly during the first half, where the Golden Bears went on a 17-0 run that allowed them to lead 51-35 at halftime. Other notable contributors for California included Andrej Stojakovic, who scored 26 points, while Jeremiah Wilkinson, Rytis Petraitis, and Jovan Blacksher Jr. also added significant totals to keep the game competitive. Despite the Bears' strong start, Missouri was able to regain control during the second half, tying the game multiple times before pulling ahead for good. With just over a minute remaining, Robinson’s ability to sink critical free throws, particularly after a technical foul was called on California, solidified the victory for the Tigers. Notably, Missouri played without their leading scorer, Caleb Grill, who was sidelined due to a neck injury. The Tigers' success in this game against a strong opponent speaks to their depth and resilience, especially in overcoming such a substantial halftime deficit. Missouri's win improved their season record to 7-1, highlighting their capability to compete at high levels in college basketball. The Tigers' next challenge looms as they prepare to maintain momentum in their upcoming games, while California aims to rebound from the defeat in their next matchup against Stanford. The outcome of this game will have implications for both teams' standings and morale as the season progresses.