In Columbia, Florida Gators defeat Missouri Tigers, 79-67.

Florida shot 40.9% from beyond the arc, won the rebounding battle by 13 boards and saw five players post double-digit point totals en route to a monumental road victory over Missouri on Saturday, 79-67. The Gators entered the contest yearning for a victory away from Gainesville after falling to 1-3 in SEC play — and 0-3 in true road games — with an ugly showing against the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville on Tuesday. Not even Mizzou guard Tamar Bates’ career-best 36 points on the evening could stop UF from casting out their road demons in the form of a 12-point win.

Early efforts were primarily dictated by Missouri’s notable desire to play actively on both ends. Holding a high line with concerted on-ball pressure while trapping ball screens defensively, the Tigers were able to force three turnovers from the Gators in the first five minutes. And while takeaways didn’t exactly show up on the state sheet, Dennis Gates’ squad’s ability to push the floor in transition disrupted Florida’s defense to, as a result, produce points. It moved UF players out of position defensively. Mizzou accordingly attacked the basket, earning several foul calls to produce critical returns free-throw line. The presence at the charity stripe aided the Tigers in remaining in front for most of the period despite a notable back-and-forth contest.