Twelve games into the season, Missouri already has two more wins than it did all of last season. It has been a remarkable turnaround under first-year coach Cuonzo Martin, especially considering it has happened without celebrated freshman Michael Porter Jr.
For Martin, the Tigers’ 82-81 win over Stephen F. Austin on Tuesday in Columbia, Missouri -- their 10th of the season -- was especially meaningful. After a late steal sealed a hard-fought win over the four-time defending Southland Conference champions, Martin did something he had never done in his 10 seasons as a head coach: He visited the other team’s locker room after the game.
Martin made it clear how much he respected the Lumberjacks and coach Kyle Keller.
It was a tough loss in Columbia, but Mizzou head coach @CuonzoMartin did something he had never done in his coaching career - enter an opponents locker room. @MizzouHoops, you've got the epitome of class leading you. Maybe we'll see you in March. #AxeEm pic.twitter.com/86IOt2m9D9
— SFA Basketball (@SFA_MBB) December 20, 2017