* I’ll give Missouri this. This is four games in a row now and five of the last six where the Tigers have come out of the locker room looking great. They’ve had a clear plan and it has worked. Missouri did a good job of getting paint touches on almost every possession to start the game and either scoring around the basket or kicking it out for open threes. On the defensive end, they contested everything, resulting in Auburn starting 1-11 from the field. Auburn missed some shots it would normally make, sure, but I give Cuonzo Martin and his team credit for the strong start.
* The defense has definitely been most impressive. Auburn is shooting just 36.7 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range. Alleged No. 1 NBA Draft prospect Jabari Smith only has three points (I’ve not been at all impressed with Smith so far but admit that was a small sample size). Auburn’s guards have made some plays, and Mizzou needs to do a better job of staying in front of K.D. Johnson in the second half, but you’re going to have to live with those guys making a few plays. Missouri needed this game to be low scoring to have a chance, and the defense has done its part so far.
* Rebounding has also been key. Missouri is winning the battle on the boards 21-16. More importantly, the Tigers have eight second-chance points to one for Auburn. Keeping that up will be key.
* It’s been another balanced offensive effort for Mizzou. Seven of nine players who have seen the floor have scored. None are in double figures, but Javon Pickett leads the way with nine points (he has been playing really well of late). Auburn’s pressure has given Missouri some trouble, and that’s definitely something to watch moving forward, but shooting 44.8 percent overall and 40 percent from three against this defense isn’t anything to be ashamed of. I do think if Mizzou is going to wi Kobe Brown is going to have to a) stay on the floor and b) assert himself a little bit more in the second half.
* Quick shout out to the students. The student section showed out tonight. It’s been a while since I have had to raise my voice to have a conversation on press row. Also, shout out Red Panda. Halftime Thoughts were a bit delayed because I had to watch the GOAT do her thing. She didn't disappoint.
* The defense has definitely been most impressive. Auburn is shooting just 36.7 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range. Alleged No. 1 NBA Draft prospect Jabari Smith only has three points (I’ve not been at all impressed with Smith so far but admit that was a small sample size). Auburn’s guards have made some plays, and Mizzou needs to do a better job of staying in front of K.D. Johnson in the second half, but you’re going to have to live with those guys making a few plays. Missouri needed this game to be low scoring to have a chance, and the defense has done its part so far.
* Rebounding has also been key. Missouri is winning the battle on the boards 21-16. More importantly, the Tigers have eight second-chance points to one for Auburn. Keeping that up will be key.
* It’s been another balanced offensive effort for Mizzou. Seven of nine players who have seen the floor have scored. None are in double figures, but Javon Pickett leads the way with nine points (he has been playing really well of late). Auburn’s pressure has given Missouri some trouble, and that’s definitely something to watch moving forward, but shooting 44.8 percent overall and 40 percent from three against this defense isn’t anything to be ashamed of. I do think if Mizzou is going to wi Kobe Brown is going to have to a) stay on the floor and b) assert himself a little bit more in the second half.
* Quick shout out to the students. The student section showed out tonight. It’s been a while since I have had to raise my voice to have a conversation on press row. Also, shout out Red Panda. Halftime Thoughts were a bit delayed because I had to watch the GOAT do her thing. She didn't disappoint.
