California dominates Mercyhurst thanks to Jeremiah Wilkinson's scoring spree

On December 2, 2024, the California Golden Bears took on the Missouri Tigers in a highly anticipated match in Columbia, Missouri. The Bears entered this game with a record of 6-1 after a significant victory over the Mercyhurst Lakers, where Jeremiah Wilkinson had an outstanding performance, scoring 25 points. With this achievement, Wilkinson showcased his ability to impact the game and help his team achieve a lopsided win of 81-55. The match against Missouri was particularly crucial, as the Tigers maintained an impressive 6-0 record at home. Missouri's strong performance this season can be attributed to their solid defense and the ability to close out games. They have a 5-0 record in matches decided by 10 points or more, indicating their capability to maintain leads and execute effectively in high-stakes situations. On the offensive end, Missouri has been known for their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, averaging 9.0 made three-pointers per game. This capability poses a significant challenge for rival teams, especially given that California allows 8.0 made three-pointers per game. For California, the road games have presented some challenges, as evidenced by their 1-1 record away from home. The Bears have performed well overall, averaging 79.9 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 8.8 points. Andrej Stojakovic has been a standout performer for California, with an impressive average of 17.7 points and 5.1 rebounds contributed to the team's success. Overall, the matchup against Missouri was a critical moment for both teams as they sought to bolster their records. With the game approaching, the stakes were high, and both teams aimed for a victory to gain momentum moving forward in the season.