Year 4 of Dennis Gates’ tenure in Columbia started with a win.

Missouri basketball opened the 2025-26 season with an 88-67 win over Howard on Monday, Nov. 3 in Washington, D.C. The Tigers rushed out to an early double-digit lead in the U.S. capital and went into halftime up 16 points, but Howard pulled back within nine points midway through the second half.

The Tigers steadied the ship and didn’t let Bison get any closer, finishing the road trip at the mid-major HBCU with a comfortable victory.

“Our guys really went out and played in a tough environment,” Gates told Tiger Radio Network’s Chris Gervino after the game. “My hat’s off to Howard. They did not give up. Tough bunch of guys.”

Mizzou's next game is back in Columbia, where the Tigers will take on Southeast Missouri State on F

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