While the Cleveland Cavaliers were busy working towards a three-game winning streak in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse versus the Denver Nuggets, a former Cavs fan favorite was leading Jackson State basketball to an incredible feat on Sunday.
Former NBA champion and current Tigers head coach Mo Williams came into Missouri 0-5 on the season, but watched his team scrap its way to a dramatic 73-72 victory. Senior guard Chase Adams, who was an unlikely candidate to take the final shot after a forgettable shooting night, got a nice fadeaway to drop in with about five seconds remaining in the game, via Kalan Hooks.
Missouri turned the ball over before it could get a potential game-winning look, as the Columbia crowd was left in stunning silence. The improbable heroics earn Jackson State its first victory ever over Mizzou (now 1-7 all-time) and gives Williams his crowning achievement as a coach.
Ken Evans Jr. led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting while Jordan O’Neal added another 18 of his own to help JSU pull off the big upset. 18 Missouri turnovers undeniably played a role as well. For Mo Williams, a 2009 All-Star who spent parts of four seasons with the Cavs, this win is even more special than many people probably realize.
The former point guard grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and is surely elated to celebrate this moment with his hometown university. He resigned as Alabama State head coach in 2022 but stayed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to try to revive Jackson State basketball. Although it has been tough sledding thus far, this could be the spark the program desperately needs going forward.