### Missouri Tigers Triumph Over Auburn, Marking Best SEC Start Since 2012 - The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team achieved a significant victory against the Auburn Tigers, winning 84-74 on January 15, 2026. This win improved Missouri's Southeastern Conference (SEC) record to 3-1, marking their best start in conference play since joining the SEC in July 2012. Key players Jayden Stone and Mark Mitchell led the charge, combining for 42 points, which was crucial in securing the win after a previous loss to Ole Miss [https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-basketball/auburn-missouri-score-b01621, https://www.ky3.com/2026/01/15/stone-scores-22-mitchell-20-missouri-beats-auburn-improves-3-1-sec]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Player Performances**: - Jayden Stone: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 7-of-10 shooting. - Mark Mitchell: 20 points, 5 assists. 2. **Game Context**: - Missouri was looking to bounce back after a loss against Ole Miss. - The victory at home improved Missouri's overall record to 13-4 and maintained their perfect home record at 11-0 [https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/01/14/missouri-puts-away-auburn-late-moves-to-11-0-at-home]. 3. **Historical Significance**: - This win is part of a broader trend of improvement for Missouri, as they also recently secured their first win in Lexington against Kentucky, showcasing their competitive edge in the SEC [https://apnews.com/article/missouri-kentucky-score-1ce20ad54c3e000bf036847f6c78ac0c]. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Missouri's Performance**: - **Overall Record**: 13-4 - **SEC Record**: 3-1 - **Home Record**: 11-0 - **Key Game Stats**: - Jayden Stone: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 7-of-10 shooting. - Mark Mitchell: 20 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds. This data highlights the effectiveness of Missouri's offense and their ability to perform under pressure, particularly at home [https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/01/14/missouri-puts-away-auburn-late-moves-to-11-0-at-home]. ### Conclusion: Missouri's Rising Momentum in SEC - **Key Findings**: 1. Missouri's victory over Auburn is a testament to their improving performance in the SEC, now standing at 3-1. 2. The contributions from Stone and Mitchell were pivotal, showcasing their potential as leaders on the team. 3. The win not only boosts team morale but also positions Missouri favorably in the conference standings, reflecting a significant turnaround since their previous season. - **Future Implications**: - With this momentum, Missouri aims to continue their strong performance as they navigate the rest of the SEC schedule, potentially setting the stage for a competitive season ahead [https://www.ky3.com/2026/01/15/stone-scores-22-mitchell-20-missouri-beats-auburn-improves-3-1-sec].