Kobe Brown thought he deserved to go higher in the NBA draft and he’s beginning to show why.

There’s Kobe, wearing the uniform of a team from Los Angeles.

Missouri used a second-half scoring spurt from Kobe Brown to win its first NCAA Tournament game in 13 years, beating Utah State 76-65.

Freshman Brandon Miller scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as fourth-ranked Alabama advanced to the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship by beating No. 25 Missouri 72-61.

Kobe Brown made two free throws with 9 seconds remaining and finished with 21 points to help Missouri hold off Texas A&M 70-66.

Henry Coleman III scored 18 points, Hassan Diarra made two free throws with three seconds left and Texas A&M rallied to beat Missouri 67-64.

Patterson)Turns out the top four teams left out of March Madness won't have their bubbles burst quite yet. If the tournament begins without any withdrawals, the four would still be eligible to compete in the NIT. Once a tournament begins, any team whose opponent is forced to withdraw would automatically advance to the next round. The women's tournament, which begins with first-round games March 21, will take place in San Antonio and neighboring cities of Austin and San Marcos. The plan also covers men's and women's cross country and men's water polo, which are fall sports but whose champions will be decided in March.

18 Missouri built a 22-point lead in the second half, then held off a frantic rally by No. Jaden Shackelford scored 15 to lead Alabama (15-5, 10-1 SEC), whose first conference loss was almost an incredible comeback victory. AdAlabama is a volume 3-point shooting team, and when the Crimson Tide missed, Missouri started fast breaks with long rebounds. The Crimson Tide had their chances, too, with Alex Reese and James Rojas missing dunks and the making just 12 of 21 free throws. AdUP NEXTAlabama: The Crimson Tide travel to South Carolina on Tuesday.