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Three Takeaways from Mizzou’s 72-Point Victory Over Mississippi Valley State

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Three Takeaways from Mizzou’s 72-Point Victory Over Mississippi Valley State


It’s not often a college basketball team scores over 100 points, and it’s not often that they win by over 70 points.

The Missouri Tigers were able to accomplish both of those feats on Thursday night, defeating Mississippi Valley State 111-39. After a hot start in which it led 24-6 with 10:57 remaining in the first half, they never let up from there.

This is the largest margin of victory Missouri has gained since the hire of coach Dennis Gates, as well as a tie for the largest in program history. By limiting turnovers and shooting a high percentage on 3-point attempts, it quickly became a very simple win.

A total of seven Tigers finished in double digits with points. Marques Warrick led the pack with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 4-of-5 shooting from behind the arc.

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Here are three takeaways from the 72-point win:

Of the many stats that Missouri won by the end of the game, the turnover category might’ve been the most impressive.

The Tigers only turned the ball over five times throughout the night, consisting of two from Tamar Bates and one from both Marcus Allen and JV Brown, along with a team turnover. They managed to keep the ball tightly secured from the Delta Devils and total 19 assists.

On the flip side, that was a huge struggle point for Mississippi Valley State. They turned the ball over 23 times, and Missouri was able to capitalize by scoring 45 points off them. That’s 40% of its points, and if the Delta Devils were just able to cut it in half, the loss wouldn’t have looked near as historic.

By being able to make smart plays on offense and execute on the defensive end, the turnover battle was an easy win for the Tigers. Gates had been looking for an assist to turnover ratio to the level that it was last night, and the unselfishness and pressure on the basket that his players committed to helped that search come to an end.

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Three members of Missouri’s freshman class — Annor Boateng, Marcus Allen, Peyton Marshall — saw increased opportunites given the circumstances of the final score.

Although Boateng had started in the previous two games, Thursday was different. Instead of the four minutes he received against Eastern Washington, the guard received 25. Through that, he recorded 10 points and two steals on 3-of-7 shooting

Marcus Allen also dropped 10 points, but on 3-of-3 shooting and in only 14 minutes. Playing time has been pretty consistent for him so far, but he had far more of a green light to attack and look to score.

The last of three, Peyton Marshall, made a strong defensive presence. Despite only scoring a single point, his three steals and two blocks in 14 minutes were noticeable. He was given more action than Josh Gray, who received 11 minutes as the starting center.

Even with Trent Burns nor T.O. Barrett suiting up for a game yet, it’s clear that the Tigers’ freshman class is talented. All three that did play against Mississippi Valley State made a distinct impact.

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“These freshman just need to continue to get better. We got to make sure that they have no breaks in practice, so they can just get with what it takes to be a division one athlete,” Gates said. “It gives them a foundation of where they want to continue to build upon, and I just thought it was seamless based off practice.”

Before the game had even started, it was clear that this was a team Missouri should beat handedly. The Delta Devils had lost to Iowa State by nearly 40 points in their season opener, and moving to SEC play wasn’t going to get any better.

With the amount of talent the Tigers have at their disposal, this being a blowout should be the outcome. Of course a 72-point win is historic for the program and a much further margin of victory than what was expected, but a win by 30 less points wouldn’t have proved any less.

Missouri has taken care of business in its last three non-conference games since losing to Memphis in it season opener, which is a postive sign. Last year it took a loss to Jackson State early on, which spelled the ultimate doom that was its regular season finish.

It’s still tough to judge and evaluate how good the Tigers will be this season until it plays tougher competition, which doesn’t happen until California on Dec. 3. Until then, it’s just a matter of winning the games they should and experimenting with rotations to figure out the best way they can position themselves for a bounce back season in the SEC.

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The win doesn’t really show much for Missouri, but getting the win in the fashion that it did at least proves it shouldn’t worry about dropping games its the obvious favorite in. It was a dominating display on both ends, and if it can continue to make strides in efficiency and lessening turnovers, the momentum will carry on.



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East Mississippi running back Gavin Griffin selected to 2025 NJCAA All-America First Team – Meridian Star

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East Mississippi running back Gavin Griffin selected to 2025 NJCAA All-America First Team – Meridian Star


East Mississippi running back Gavin Griffin selected to 2025 NJCAA All-America First Team

Published 12:08 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2025

East Mississippi Community College running back Gavin Griffin has added to his list of 2025 season accomplishments by being named to this year’s NJCAA Division I Football All-America First Team. The National Junior College Athletic Association announced the organization’s first-team, second-team and honorable-mention football selections on Dec. 20.

As an NJCAA All-Region 23 honoree as well as being the MACCC North Division’s Offensive Player of the Year recipient this season, Griffin’s most recent honor gives East Mississippi’s football program a total of 36 NJCAA All-America selections during the past 18 seasons under the guidance of NJCAA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame head coach Buddy Stephens. Dating back to the 2008 season, the EMCC Lions have had at least one NJCAA All-American in football during 13 of the past 18 years.

In becoming EMCC’s 15th first-team NJCAA All-American dating back to 2008, Griffin helped lead the Lions to a 7-3 overall record and 5-1 MACCC North Division mark while earning the program’s 12th division crown and 15th conference playoff appearance during the Stephens coaching era.

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A Troy University signee, Griffin was twice selected as the NJCAA and MACCC Offensive Player of the Week this season while topping the NJCAA Division I statistical leaders with 22 rushing touchdowns and ranking second nationally with 1,168 rushing yards. With six 100-yard rushing outings on the year, Griffin’s top performances on the ground included a career-high 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 22 attempts during EMCC’s 49-27 home win over Pearl River. He also had 189 rushing yards and three scores in 23 carries during the Lions’ 34-28 road victory at Northwest Mississippi.

With at least one rushing touchdown in all 10 games this past season, Griffin had seven contests with multiple scoring runs, including an additional four-touchdown effort in EMCC’s 50-39 home win over Holmes. During the Stephens coaching era at EMCC, Griffin’s 134 total points scored and 22 touchdown runs this season rank second behind Tyrell Price’s NJCAA-leading 24 rushing touchdowns and 150 points scored during the Lions’ 2017 national championship season.

On EMCC’s single-season statistical leaders list during the Stephens era, Griffin’s 1,168 rushing yards in 10 games played rank third behind 2025 EMCC Sports Hall of Fame inductee Rod Moore (1,303 in 2011) and Lakenderic Thomas (1,334 in 2013), who both had the advantage of playing two additional games during EMCC’s respective national championship seasons. Griffin’s 207 rushing attempts this season are the most by an EMCC player during the Stephens era, breaking the mark of 200 carries previously held by second-team NJCAA All-American Deon McIntosh during the Lions’ 2018 national championship season.

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For his two EMCC seasons, Griffin’s 1,722 career rushing yards rank third behind Thomas (1,724) and Moore (2,211), while his 30 career rushing touchdowns tie Price for the most during the Stephens era. Along with the 66 points that Griffin scored (8 rush TDs and 3 TD catches) as an EMCC freshman in 2024, the 2023 MHSAA Class 1A Mr. Football out of Velma Jackson High School became just the second EMCC player of the Stephens era to reach 200 career points scored.

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EMCC’s 35 NJCAA All-America players under Stephens’ leadership are divided among 18 offensive performers, 15 defensive honorees and two special teams players. Leading the way positionally for EMCC dating back to 2008, the Lions have had 10 All-America quarterback selections, including NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year recipients Ty Keyes (2023) and Bo Wallace (2011) as well as two-time All-America signal-caller Randall Mackey (2008 & 2009). On the defensive side of the football during the Stephens coaching era, the Lions have featured eight All-America defensive linemen, headlined by 12-year NFL veteran Denico Autry (2011) of the Houston Texans and recently retired 11-year NFL standout Za’Darius Smith (2012).



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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 22, 2025

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 22, 2025


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The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 22, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

20-21-22-24-25

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Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

Midday: 1-8-7, FB: 3

Evening: 9-1-4, FB: 1

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

Midday: 0-6-1-7, FB: 3

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Evening: 1-2-4-0, FB: 1

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

Midday: 13

Evening: 11

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

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Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

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Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

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When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

  • Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
  • Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
  • Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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No snow in a Mississippi Christmas – Meridian Star

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No snow in a Mississippi Christmas – Meridian Star


No snow in a Mississippi Christmas

Published 11:11 am Monday, December 22, 2025

From the looks of the weather forecast, it appears I am going to be disappointed again this year: no White Christmas, no one-horse open sleigh ride, and no chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

 

Our songs and traditions this time of year sure paint a pretty picture! Unfortunately, almost every Christmas season I’ve ever experienced in Mississippi has found me wearing shorts on Christmas Day. I think the forecast calls for a high of 74 degrees on Christmas Eve, 73 on Christmas Day, and 75 the day after.

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Even though the weather disappoints me, I love my Christmas traditions. As silly as it sounds for a grown man, I love Christmas socks and wear them throughout the year. I grew up with a mom who made fresh eggnog. I haven’t had any homemade in years, but I purchase some every season.

 

In true Clark Griswold fashion, no Christmas would be complete without proper outdoor Christmas illumination. To make it even funnier, you can’t see my lights unless you come up our very rural driveway. Yes, the lights are just for me.

 

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Speaking of Clark and company, my sweet indulgent wife always watches Christmas Vacation at least once each season with me. And then there are my other favorite Christmas shows and movies: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown’s Christmas, the Grinch, and Home Alone. (Also, I vote that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.)

 

And because my wife indulges me, I’ve been known to indulge her by sleeping through, er, I mean watching a Hallmark Christmas movie or two. She’s just blessed like that. What a guy I am!

 

But moving on from praising myself, when my oldest son got married, his wife brought us a new Christmas tradition: the Christmas Pickle ornament. You hide it on the tree, and whoever finds it gets to open the first present. I’m not sure that one has much of a future. Nevertheless, I unabashedly love Christmas.

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Here’s my Christmas rule: “If you quit believing in Santa Claus, you get clothes for Christmas.” Not this guy. I’m all in it for the toys. (You may be familiar with the adage that the only difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys—I resemble that remark.)

 

And in case you are wondering what to get me, my sizes are .45, 9mm, .233, .22, .380, and 12 gauge. Smile! It’s all in good fun.

 

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In the immortal words of Clark Griswold, “Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together.”

 

And we are. May your blessings be great, and your opportunities and abilities to bless others be even greater.

 

Merry Christmas!

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“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”



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