Missouri men’s basketball is completing one of college hoops’ most impressive turnarounds in years

The GIST: Competing in the country’s most cutthroat conference, the SEC, gives up-and-comers plenty of opportunities to nab statement wins, and one team is taking full advantage.

• The aforementioned No. 15 Mizzou Tigers are completing a Mia Thermopolis–level glow-up, peaking at just the right time as March Madness looms.

The glow-up: Last season was one of the worst in Mizzou’s history. The terrible Tigers went an abysmal 8-24 overall and failed to win a single conference game. That’s right, they suffered 18 straight losses in SEC play — which makes this year’s turnaround even more stunning.

• In the blink of an eye, the Tigers went from basement dweller to bonafide March Madness threat. They’re rocking a 20-6 overall record and are 9-4 in conference play, good enough for fourth in the toughest conference around.

• But the most impressive part of their resume? They’ve taken down three top-5 opponents this season: then–No. 1 Kansas on December 8th, then–No. 5 Florida on January 14th, and now, No. 4 Alabama in Wednesday’s thriller. Unreal.

The secret: Junior guard Mark Mitchell, who recorded 31 points on Wednesday, leads the team’s humming offense, known for its super hot starts. They also have a phenomenal turnover-to-steals ratio and consistently productive bench players, including grad student guard Caleb Grill.

• But the most important factor? It’s obvious that these guys love one another and their coach — just look at this clip and try to keep from smiling. Talent can take you far, but nothing beats team chemistry.

What’s next: The too-hot Tigers hope to keep rolling against a meh Arkansas squad tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. And with just five regular-season games remaining on their schedule, they’re close to sealing a high seed in the SEC Tournament, where a win would earn them an automatic bid to the March Madness bracket. Me-ow.