Kansas State basketball will have plenty to work on in the weeks ahead after coming up short against a good Missouri squad in its first of two exhibition games on Friday, Oct. 24, in Columbia, Missouri.

The Wildcats lost 100-91 to the Tigers at Mizzou Arena.

PJ Haggerty shone for the Wildcats, scoring 21 points on 7-13 shooting, while also dishing out a team-high six assists. However, the Wildcats struggled on defense, particularly in transition, allowing the Tigers to crack the century mark.

Kansas State’s second and final exhibition game will come on Friday, Oct. 31, when the Wilcats host Newman at Bramlage Coliseum at 7 p.m. The Wildcats’ season opener is Tuesday, Nov. 4, at home against UNC Greensboro.

Watch Kansas State vs Missouri on ESPN+

Kansas State vs Missouri live scoreFINAL: Missouri 100, Kansas State 91Kansas State, Mizzou have postgame scrum

The Wildcats and Tigers had some words exchanged during the postgame handshake line. Nothing serious except for some pushing and shoving, but it’s an exhibition and not that serious. C’mon.

Kansas State’s transition defense has been a tough watch

Mizzou is outscoring K-State 29-9 in fast-break scoring. The Tigers are also outscoring the Wildcats 54-42 when scoring inside the paint. Mizzou is less than four minutes away from winning this exhibition game and will score 100-plus while doing so.

Missouri pulling away from Kansas State

There have been a few stretches throughout this game in which Mizzou takes control. The Tigers are there now, extending their lead to 16 after a 6-0 run over the last minute. Dominance in the paint. Wildcats with only two makes from the field over the last five-and-a-half minutes.

Kansas State cutting into Mizzou lead

Faster pace to the second half than the first. PJ Haggerty up to 17 points, while Nate Johnson has 12 and is shooting 50%. Wildcats are connecting on more 3-pointers in the second half. Mizzou up 63-57 with 13:33 left.

PJ Haggerty has been a blast to watch

PJ Haggerty has been a ton of fun to watch. He has 12 points and is 50% from the floor. His ability to create fouls and get to the line is something Kansas State desperately needed after last season.

Defense has been a bit of a struggle. The Tigers are shooting nearly 60% and Anthony Robinson II has 14 points on 6-6 shooting.

Anthony Robinson perfect from floor

Robinson is 6-6 with 14 points and two boards. The Wildcats are 3-13 from deep. Tigers up 47-35 with 1:07 left in the half. Tigers are shooting 61.5% from the floor.

Missouri dominating Kansas State in the paint

The Tigers have scored 20 of their 29 points inside the paint thus far. Wildcats have scored 10 in the paint. Wildcats down 29-21 with 6:23 left in the half.

Anthony Robinson leads 14-0 run for Missouri basketball

The Tigers have extended their run to 14 unanswered points. Anthony Robinson II has all of his 11 points over the stretch. Mizzou up 24-16 with 8:43 left in the half.

Abdi Bashir Jr. made a 3 for Kansas State

The nation’s top 3-point shooter from a year ago just made his first unofficial 3 in a Wildcats uniform. It’s 16-all after a Mizzou 6-0 run over the last 55 seconds. 11:25 left in the half.

Kansas State goes on 6-0 run, takes first lead

Three different Wildcats scored in just over a minute over a 6-0 run, taking an 11-8 lead with 14:25 left in the half. PJ Haggerty leads the Wildcats with three points. Five different Cats have scored.

Mark Mitchell scores 5 quick points for Missouri

Mark Mitchell is one of the best players in the country. He’s getting to the basket with ease, scoring five of Mizzou’s seven points, while leading 7-4 with 16:02 left in the first half.

Kansas State made a line shift, Andrej Kostic scores

Jerome Tang is trying to play as many players as possible. He made a line change, subbing in five new players at the 17:19 mark in the first half. Andrej Kostic got a layup to fall.

Kansas State vs Missouri likely to start on ESPN+

There’s an SEC volleyball game going past what the SEC Network seemed to schedule for. The game you’re here to read about is likely headed to an ESPN+ start instead.

Kansas State vs Missouri starters announced

Kansas State

PJ HaggertyAbdi Bashir Jr.Nate JohnsonElias RapiequeKhamari McGriff

Missouri

Anthony Robinson IISebastian MackJevon PorterMark MitchellShawn Phillips Jr.What time does Kansas State vs Missouri start?Date: Friday, Oct. 24Start time: 9 p.m. CTWhere: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Missouri

The Kansas State vs Missouri game starts at 9 p.m. at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.

What TV channel is the Kansas State vs Missouri game on today?TV Channel: SECNLivestream: ESPN+

Kansas State vs. Mizzou will be available to watch on the SEC Network and via stream on ESPN+ in an exhibition college basketball game.

Watch Kansas State vs Missouri on ESPN+

Kansas State basketball 2025-26 schedule

Here’s a look at the next three games Kansas State has. The full schedule is available online.

Oct. 31 — Newman (exhibition), 7 p.m.Nov. 4 — UNC Greensboro, 7 p.m.Nov. 8 — Bellarmine, 7 p.m.Missouri basketball 2025-26 schedule

Here’s a look at the next three matchups Missouri has. The full schedule is available online.

Nov. 3 — @ Howard, 6 p.m.Nov. 7 — SEMO, 7 p.m.Nov. 9 — VMI, 1 p.m.

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@gannett.com