Missouri hits 3-pointer at buzzer, deals another loss to No. 6 Volunteers

D’andre Gholston hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Missouri a stunning 86-85 victory over No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night.

With 4.2 seconds left in the game and the Volunteers (19-6, 8-4 Southeastern Conference) leading 85-83, Santiago Vescovi missed a free throw. His second attempt was waved off when Tobe Awaka committed a lane violation, setting up a final chance for the Tigers (196, 7-5).

Gholston took the inbounds and dribbled up the court before taking an off-balance contested 3-pointer from about 30 feet that swished through the net at the buzzer for the win. He was mobbed by his teammates after hitting the shot.

“I knew Dre wasn’t going to pass,” said Missouri coach Dennis Gates. Gholston hit a game-winning shot earlier in the season against Central Florida.

The end was similar to Tennessee’s Wednesday night loss to Vanderbilt. Vescovi missed a free throw then and a 3-pointer at the buzzer ended the game. The Vols have lost three of the last four.

“This had a different feel than the other night,” said Tennessee coach Rick Barnes. “We all hurt for (Vescovi). He’s hurting. He’s won a lot of games for us.”

After losing to Vanderbilt Wednesday and now Missouri, Tennessee is destined to fall from No. 6, likely out of the Top 10. Missouri is receiving votes.

Kobe Brown scored 21 to lead the Tigers. Gholston finished with 18 points, Sean East had 17 points, and D’moi Hodge added 14.

“We almost panicked,” said Gates. “Our guys stayed with the game plan. We were able to move the ball and challenged ourselves on the 3-point line (the Tigers shot 54%, 14 of 26). That’s our identity.”