Bearcats Lose Big to Mizzou (Yet, Keep It Closer Than Cal Did)

The Missouri Tigers may have been considered the "it" team in college hoops this past week after reeling off victories over Notre Dame and 18th ranked California on back-to-back days...by a total of 68 points. Needless to say, that made Binghamton an incredible underdog for Sunday's match-up against the two schools. Despite losing 88-59, Binghamton should not have their heads hung low. They simply ran into a team that, by season's end, may prove capable of hanging in there with any other program in the country. The Bearcats, statistically, probably played their best game of the year, but against the 21st ranked Tigers it simply wasn't enough.

Before we get to the Bearcats, we need to talk about Kim English. The senior guard, who entered the game having made 18-of-30 three-point attempts, continued his ridiculous shooting spree sinking seven shots from beyond the arc. This guy is as smooth as it gets. Never did he rush a shot, always taking what was given. The Bearcats left him open far too often, but that's not to say all his shots came easily. Tip o' the cap to Kimmie English as he finished with 29 points, a career-high, to lead all scorers. Overshadowed by English's performance was fellow Mizzou senior Ricardo Ratliffe, who didn't miss any of his seven field goal attempts en route to an 18 point, 5 rebound performance. Phil "Flip" Pressey didn't attempt a single shot, but shined with 11 assists and did not turn the ball over.

Binghamton was once again led by freshmen stud Ben Dickinson. The big man finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds, both team highs for the game. The Gonzaga High product showed that, even when pitted against a nationally ranked Big 12 team, finesse post moves and heady decision making can still trump superior athletes.

More on Binghamton after the jump.

Fellow freshmen Chris Longoria appears to be adjusting to the D1 level after a sluggish start. The guard chipped in a dozen points for the second straight game. He also had a pair of steals and sank two threes. On a lesser note, he was rejected by Mizzou Steve Moore as he attempted to soar for a slam in the second period. Personally, I applaud him for the aggressiveness and the courage to take it to the hole against the bruising Missouri center.

Robert Mansell was practically invisible in the first half before coming alive in the second frame, where he scored all of his 11 points.

As a team, Binghamton finally showed they were capable of hitting shots. They made half of their 46 field goal attempts, including 7-of-17 from three. They had hit only 14 threes combined in the previous four games in 71 attempts, good for just 19.7%. The Bearcats won the rebounding battle 27-25, but were once again a little too careless with the ball, turning it over 21 times, including six by junior point guard Jimmy Gray. That marks the third straight game with 20+ turnovers for Binghamton, something they will need to work on going forward.

In all, Binghamton played quite well. Certainly their best game of the young season, but against such a good Missouri team it often won't matter how well a team plays. A similar effort against the Army Black Knights on December 3rd could result in the team's first win. You can bet the Bearcats are excited about the prospect of returning home to play in front of the America East's biggest crowds. Army has just one win that counts, a four point victory over Bryant. The Black Knights are led by Ella Ellis and his 16.6 points per game.

See you Saturday!