Dennis Gates explains why Mizzou's loss to Texas A&M was 'an outlying game'

Dennis Gates and the Missouri Tigers have fallen on some hard times lately, losing back-to-back games to Auburn and Texas A&M after a last-second win over Tennessee.

On Saturday, the Tigers fell by 9 points at home against the Aggies, getting outscored 39-25 in the first half and coming up short in their comeback attempt.

On Monday, Gates called the loss to Texas A&M “an outlying game,” saying it was strange that Mizzou forced 21 turnovers but didn’t score many points off those turnovers:

Dennis Gates calls Saturday vs Texas A&M "the weirdest game" because Mizzou forced so many turnovers (21) but didn't convert them into points. Called it "an outlying game."

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) February 20, 2023

When Mizzou is forcing turnovers, it usually wins games. The Tigers don’t have the best defense, so they gamble for steals. However, when that’s not leading to easy baskets in transition, the offense can struggle, too, as it did in Saturday’s 69-60 loss.

The Tigers host Mississippi State on Tuesday night in Columbia. They lost to the Bulldogs earlier this month, so bouncing back with a win will be important for Gates and company.