With a chance to extend the program's best start in three years, Missouri plays host to winless South Carolina State on Tuesday in Columbia, Mo.

Missouri (6-0) last won its first six games in head coach Dennis Gates' debut year in 2022-23, when the Tigers began the season 9-0. Missouri is taking advantage of a favorable part of its nonconference schedule, as it has only faced one power conference opponent, beating Minnesota 83-60 on Nov. 12.

The Tigers returned a pair of year-long starters in Mark Mitchell and Anthony Robinson II. Mitchell paces Missouri with 18.7 points per game and most recently poured in 22 points in a 102-68 victory over South Dakota on Thursday.

"I just love to sit back and watch Mark," Gates said. "He is a very unselfish player. Most of his turnovers come from him

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