Mr. Big Shot does it again. And again. And then again.

What does it mean to be "clutch"?

Is it the difference between A-Rod and Derek Jeter? Between Kobe and T-Mac? Chauncey Billups and AI? Tom Brady and Peyton Manning? Even Michael Jordan, the greatest to ever play this game and the winner of a NCAA title and six NBA championships, has a famous quote that says "I've been entrusted to take the game-winning shot 26 times ... and missed."

But there are always those guys that seem to make every big play. They never are the best player or the highest scorer, but somehow they always seem to end up with the ball in their hands and the game on the line.

And their success rate turns them into legends. Call in the Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry phenomenon.

Zaire Taylor has developed a reputation for hitting game-winners, like this one against Kansas last year.
(photo credit: Missouri.edu)

Missouri's Zaire Taylor is one of those guys.

He's never averaged more than 10.3 ppg in a season, despite playing two years in the CAA with Delaware. There's no doubt that he is a solid player and an excellent contributor for the Tigers this season. He averages 8.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 2.6 apg. He is an above-average defender. He can knock down open jumpers.

Solid player, but nothing special.

But Taylor has a knack for the spectacular. His uncanny ability to hit game-winning shots has earned him the moniker "Mr. Big Shot". Taylor graduated in December, and as he walked across the stage, the name "Zaire 'Mr. Big Shot' Taylor" was announced.

True story.

He earned the name last season. On February 4th, Mizzou knocked off Texas thanks to a tough, and-one layup from Taylor with 5.5 seconds left on the clock. Just five days later, Taylor rolled home a 10 foot jumper with 1.3 seconds to knock off Kansas. January 9th of this season, Taylor hit a three with 33 seconds left to break a 66-all tie that ended up being the game-winner as Missouri beat Kansas State.

Now fast forward to last night. Mizzou is struggling on the road against a scrappy Iowa State team. Down two with under 20 seconds left, Taylor scored to force overtime. In the extra frame, the Tigers were again down two with just 11 seconds left on the clock when Taylor scored to tie the game at 67. The Cyclones would turn the ball over at the other end with just 6.1 seconds left on the clock. Taylor took the inbounds and went the length of the court, scoring on a tough, floating layup off the glass as the buzzer sounded.

Game over.

Want to hear something even more impressive?

Those three buckets were Taylor's only three buckets of the game.

Mr. Big Shot sounds about right.