Rick Barnes breaks down the biggest key to slow down Missouri's offense

Rick Barnes and the reigning SEC Tournament Champion Tennessee Volunteers were bounced from the conference tournament prematurely following a 79-71 loss to Missouri Friday afternooon.

The loss feels like it came out of left field for a team that believes they should have been one of the teams awarded a double-bye as a top-four seed. Still, the Vols are headed home and await Selection Sunday, but head coach Rick Barnes made sure to praise the Tigers on his way out of Nashville.

“[Missouri] played a great game. There’s no doubt. They played well against us. Again, we got back in it. They made a great shot at the end to beat us. A tough shot. They did it. We’ll need everybody [moving forward],” Barnes said postgame. “Again, in a game like this, they play defense differently. One of the best teams in the country at turning you over, and getting steals.

“Again, it’s understanding to take care of the basketball. It’s going to be really important. Not let ’em get out in transition with turnovers. Then obviously, their guards get going downhill, they drive the ball hard. They’re going to make you pay if you turn it over.”

Mizzou guard Nick Honor nailed a huge three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to put the Tigers ahead and held on in what was essentially a home game for the Vols.

The shot, and subsequent loss could have been avoided. To Barnes’ point, Tennessee actually outscored Mizzou 20-16 in points off turnovers, but 14 total turnovers was his team’s undoing. Extra possessions for the Tigers typically means they’re running up the score. Even more frustrating, 34 of the Tigers’ 79 points (43%) came at the rim via layup or dunk.

Tennessee didn’t go away quietly, however, but with Mizzou hitting four of its last five baskets and making its free throws — the final outcome was academic at that point.