In a repeat of last season's misfortune, former Duke standout Mark Mitchell experienced another early exit in the NCAA Tournament as his No. 6 seed Missouri Tigers were defeated by the No. 11 seed Drake Bulldogs. The game took place on Thursday night in Wichita, where the Bulldogs triumphed with a final score of 67-57.

Mitchell, originally from Kansas City, Kan., has had an eventful college basketball career marked by both achievements and setbacks. As part of Jon Scheyer’s initial recruiting class at Duke, he became a key player for the Blue Devils, often starting games during his tenure there. In this particular matchup against Drake, Mitchell contributed significantly despite not scoring heavily, racking up eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal over 35 minutes of play.

This setback marks a familiar pattern for Mitchell, who previously saw limited action in the tournament due to injury. During his freshman year in 2023, a knee issue prevented him from playing against Tennessee in the Round of 32, resulting in Duke's elimination. Last year, while advancing further, Mitchell and the Blue Devils faced an unexpected defeat in the Elite Eight at the hands of NC State.

Now focusing on his new team, Mitchell continues to showcase his skills and leadership qualities. This season, he averaged 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game leading into the tournament. Though the outcome was disappointing, his performance demonstrated resilience and determination under pressure.

Beyond the disappointment of this loss, Mitchell remains an influential figure in collegiate basketball circles. His journey highlights the challenges athletes face when transitioning teams or recovering from injuries. Moving forward, fans will eagerly watch how he builds upon these experiences to enhance his game and achieve greater success in future tournaments.