RMN’s photo editor brings you his ten favorites from this week.
- In the huddle
Missouri head coach Dennis Gates talks to his team during a media timeout during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
I got up during a timeout to find Dennis Gates talking to the team in the huddle. Whatever he said, it must have been valuable, as Missouri stayed in front all game and never looked back. One big factor: Missouri took 26 free throws and Oklahoma only 17. That’s coaching!
2. Ant-Man
Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II (0) celebrates his score during the first half of a game against Oklahoma on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
As the team gets better and beats better opponents, the players start to celebrate a whole lot more. It’s refreshing to finally see what we missed out on for nearly all of last season. Here, Ant Robinson celebrates his jumper a few minutes into the game. He finished with ten points, all from inside the arc or free throws.
3. Reunited
Missouri head coach Dennis Gates hugs his brother, Oklahoma assistant coach Armon Gates, during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
This game featured a rare brother vs. brother matchup, MU head coach Dennis Gates facing off against OU assistant Armon Gates. The pair met up after the game at the handshake line for a quick hug.
4. Antler Dance
Missouri guard Caleb Grill (31) does the Antler pose with the Antlers after Missouri beat Oklahoma 82-58 on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
Caleb Grill— already a fan favorite— showed out after the game to pose with the Antlers. And according to Sticklen & Sticklen Law Firm (who you might know from their Tre “Gomillions” ad,) Grill and the Antlers will star in an upcoming TV spot.
5. Nobody Speak
Missouri forward Mark Mitchell (25, center) makes a ‘shh’ hand motion during his postgame interview after Missouri beat Oklahoma 82-58 on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
The MU men have devised an interesting new post-win tradition of late, wherein they all gather around whoever is doing the postgame radio interview, and make the ‘shhh’ gesture with their index fingers. On Wednesday, Mark Mitchell was the postgame hero, with 25 points on the night.
6. Sooner Strife
Oklahoma head coach Jennie Baranczyk argues with a referee during the first half of a game against Missouri on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
OU head coach Jennie Baranczyk was unhappy with referees all game, even when her team pulled ahead by 20-plus points. The former Drake coach owns a .740 winning percentage in her first three seasons at OU, and is on her way to her fourth NCAA tournament in a row.
7. Tower of Power
Missouri forward Hannah Linthacum (34) and Oklahoma center Raegan Beers (52) reach for a rebound during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
This is one of those odd shots that results from using a tight lens zoomed in all the way. And of course, contested rebounds always make for great pictures. I’d love it if every rebound ever turned into a battle.
8. Say what?
Missouri guard Nyah Wilson (8) and other players are confused after MU’s Angelique Ngalakulondi was given an intentional foul after review during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
Mizzou players and fans were left confused when a minor foul by Angelique Ngalakulondi was reviewed by referees and upgraded to an intentional foul. Here, Nyah Wilson makes the expression that many in the crowd were feeling; a Nick Young-esque confused state.
9. Shut ‘em down!
Oklahoma forward Caya Smith (4) blocks Missouri guard Nyah Wilson’s shot (8) during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
Oklahoma’s tough defense held Missouri to only 66 points, stealing the ball seven times and blocking four shots. In all, MU turned over the ball 18 times. Here’s Nyah Wilson getting her shot blocked by Caya Smith.
10. Blown call
“That was tipped! She did not miss that five feet short!” said Missouri guard Abbey Schreacke (23) to referees after Grace Slaughter’s (0) missed shot during the second half of a game against Oklahoma on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M)
Abbey Schreacke protested to referees, saying, “That was tipped! She did not miss that five feet short!” after Grace Slaughter badly missed a three during the second half. Indeed, it would be very unlike Slaughter to miss a three-ball like that. However, the complaint fell on deaf ears, and the game went on.