Quickly spraying to all fields here. Mizzou came out and started well in a hostile atmosphere, which is always noteworthy. The Tigers were especially good on defense early on, jumping in passing lanes and blocking shots, and they also have shot well from three (4-7) and limited turnovers (6). Those were thought to be the biggest keys coming into the game.
But Mizzou trails because of fouls and Nick Richards. Mizzou got called for 12 fouls in the first half and had four players pick up two apiece. Richards caused a lot of those fouls, and he dominated when Tilmon wasn't in the game (Tilmon only played four minutes after coming off the bench, so the theory that Cuonzo should always wait to see how the game is being called to put him in kind of got shot down). Kentucky is 9-10 from the FT line and Mizzou is 2-4. Mizzou is still in this one, but they need to start the second half well. Given their offense, it doesn't feel like the Tigers can afford to get down by 8-10 points early in the half.
Kobe Brown has been a pleasant surprise so far. Mizzou needs more from at least two of Mark Smith, Torrence Watson and Xavier Pinson. Also, not only did Mario McKinney play in the first half, but Axel Okongo saw the floor for the first time all season. At the same time as McKinney. In Rupp Arena. I am guessing the reasoning was Mizzou had its bigs in foul trouble and Tray Jackson and Parker Braun aren't big enough to stand up to Richards and EJ Montgomery down low, but I can't wait to ask Cuonzo about playing Okongo.
But Mizzou trails because of fouls and Nick Richards. Mizzou got called for 12 fouls in the first half and had four players pick up two apiece. Richards caused a lot of those fouls, and he dominated when Tilmon wasn't in the game (Tilmon only played four minutes after coming off the bench, so the theory that Cuonzo should always wait to see how the game is being called to put him in kind of got shot down). Kentucky is 9-10 from the FT line and Mizzou is 2-4. Mizzou is still in this one, but they need to start the second half well. Given their offense, it doesn't feel like the Tigers can afford to get down by 8-10 points early in the half.
Kobe Brown has been a pleasant surprise so far. Mizzou needs more from at least two of Mark Smith, Torrence Watson and Xavier Pinson. Also, not only did Mario McKinney play in the first half, but Axel Okongo saw the floor for the first time all season. At the same time as McKinney. In Rupp Arena. I am guessing the reasoning was Mizzou had its bigs in foul trouble and Tray Jackson and Parker Braun aren't big enough to stand up to Richards and EJ Montgomery down low, but I can't wait to ask Cuonzo about playing Okongo.
