The three-loss Irish surprised the then-unbeaten Tigers. Following another loss against the Jayhawks, the Tigers now need to regroup against the always-tough Illini.
On December 2, Notre Dame handed Missouri its first loss of the season in a 76-71 battle defined by sharp second-half adjustments, clutch shooting, and a late 3-pointer that shifted every ounce of momentum in the ACC and SEC Challenge matchup.
The game featured Markus Burton’s 18 points and career-high 10 assists, Cole Certa’s 14 points with a decisive 3-pointer, and a Missouri performance highlighted by Mark Mitchell’s 26 points and Jacob Crews’ five made 3-pointers for 22 points.
As fans debate every possession, preview upcoming matchups, and track how the Tigers handle pressure situations in the weeks ahead, many also keep an eye on odds and betting markets. With Bet365 Missouri bonus code newly available to state sports fans, some are treating upcoming games as chances to combine fandom with new wagering opportunities, reflecting how quickly betting has become part of Missouri’s basketball culture.
Notre Dame used a 50 percent second-half shooting effort, going 12-of-24, to erase Missouri’s 40-33 halftime lead, while Burton and Certa each posted 11 second-half points that fueled the comeback. Missouri countered with an efficient 54 percent first-half shooting mark, going 15-of-28, but cooled to just 35 percent, 9-of-26, in the closing period.
This matchup marked the first meeting between the programs since Missouri’s 87-58 win on November 21, 2011, a game that gave the Tigers a 7-3 edge in the all-time series.
Marcus Burton (photo courtesy South Bend Tribune)
Markus Burton’s Commanding Night: Markus Burton delivered one of the most complete performances of the early season with 18 points and a career-high 10 assists, shaping Notre Dame’s offense through pace, ball security, and last-minute execution. His distribution in the second half created clean perimeter looks and controlled possessions, preventing Missouri from regaining its rhythm. Burton’s ability to pair scoring aggression with passing vision forced the Tigers to respect every level of the floor. His late free throws, added after Missouri’s final missed 3-pointer, provided a 74-69 cushion with six seconds left and removed any chance of a Missouri rally.
Cole Certa’s Clutch Shooting: Cole Certa added 14 points, and his most significant moment arrived with only 17 seconds left when he buried a 3-pointer to lift Notre Dame to a 72-69 lead. That single shot changed every remaining possession, creating urgency for Missouri and allowing Notre Dame to dictate tempo. Certa scored 11 points in the second half and converted four total 3-pointers, boosting an Irish offense that relied heavily on perimeter spacing. His timing and confidence placed enormous pressure on Missouri’s defensive closeouts during the final minutes.
Braeden Schrewsberry (11) moving against Sabastian Mack (12), with photo courtesy Reuters Connect
Braeden Shrewsberry’s Finishing Touch: Braeden Shrewsberry contributed 11 points, including three made 3-pointers that added essential scoring depth behind Burton and Certa. His final two free throws sealed Notre Dame’s 76-71 win after Burton’s pair extended the lead. Shrewsberry’s perimeter presence forced Missouri to defend the arc throughout both halves, generating spacing for drives and kick-outs. His steadiness in shot selection and confidence at the line ensured the Irish never lost control in the closing seconds.
Notre Dame’s Second Half Surge: Notre Dame’s 50 percent shooting clip in the second half, hitting 12-of-24 attempts, reversed the flow of the game after trailing 40-33 at halftime. Burton and Certa each scored 11 second-half points, and their combined poise guided the offense into rhythm on every possession. The Irish capitalized on improved ball movement and shot creation, turning defensive stops into smooth scoring stretches. The sustained efficiency created an uphill battle for Missouri, whose defensive rotations tightened yet failed to disrupt Notre Dame’s calculated execution.
Missouri’s Hot Start and Abrupt Cool Down: Missouri opened the game with sharp execution, shooting 54 percent in the first half by making 15-of-28 attempts. Their movement and spacing early on created openings for Mark Mitchell and Jacob Crews, who combined for a significant portion of the Tigers’ offensive rhythm. The second half brought a drastic shift as Missouri fell to 35 percent shooting, hitting just 9-of-26 attempts. The drop in accuracy limited second-chance opportunities and disrupted ball flow, allowing Notre Dame to control the pace and limit transition chances.
Mark Mitchell’s Scoring Leadership: Mark Mitchell delivered 26 points for Missouri, carrying the Tigers inside and on face-up drives that tested Notre Dame’s interior coverages. His scoring provided stability in the first half and kept Missouri competitive deep into the second despite the team’s decline in shooting.
Mitchell created mismatches by attacking early in possessions and generating high-percentage attempts. His performance became the central highlight of Missouri’s scoring efforts in a game where offensive efficiency faded during critical stretches.
Jacob Crews’ Perimeter Firepower: Jacob Crews made five 3-pointers and totaled 22 points, giving Missouri a consistent long-range threat that shaped Notre Dame’s defensive adjustments. His spacing forced the Irish to extend beyond the arc and created lanes for Mitchell. Crews’ final attempt came after Certa’s late 3-pointer, a shot that offered Missouri a chance to tie the game. The miss-positioned Notre Dame to secure possession, draw a foul, and add Burton’s two free throws that stretched the lead to 74-69 with only six seconds left.
How Momentum Shifted After Halftime: Missouri’s 40-33 halftime lead reflected first-half shot making and early rhythm, yet Notre Dame countered with improved discipline after the break. The Irish slowed possessions, set structured offensive actions, and limited risky passes. Burton’s decision-making and Certa’s confidence transformed the tempo, while defensive containment led to Missouri’s 35 percent second-half shooting mark. The gradual shift allowed Notre Dame to reduce the deficit, take control, and execute decisive plays in the final minute.
Photo courtesy Columbia Daily Tribune
The Closing Sequence That Determined the Outcome: After trailing 69-68, Notre Dame found its breakthrough when Cole Certa hit a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left, pushing the Irish to a 72-69 lead. Missouri immediately turned to Jacob Crews for a tying shot, but the attempt missed, allowing Notre Dame to secure the rebound and place the ball in Burton’s hands. His two free throws produced a 74-69 lead with six seconds to play. Braeden Shrewsberry added two more free throws for the final 76-71 score, completing a controlled finish.
Implications for Missouri’s Season: Missouri entered the game at 8-0 and exited with both lessons and opportunities. The efficient first half showed how dangerous the Tigers can be when ball movement creates clean looks, while the second half revealed areas that must be sharpened under pressure. Mitchell’s 26 points and Crews’ 22-point, five 3-pointer performance confirmed their scoring reliability, yet late-game execution and shot quality will become essential points of focus. The loss also ends the perfect opening stretch while providing valuable insight before conference play intensifies.
Five days later, the Tigers dropped another game to rival Kansas, 80-60, to fall to 8-2 on the season. Contests with Historically Black schools, Alabama State (December 11) and Bethune (December 14), come next. Then the Tigers lace it up on December 22 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis for the annual barnburner against the University of Illinois.
