Actually, from my hotel room because I forgot earlier. Kevin Puryear was kind to sum it up for us: "Same old story." Not just this season but the past two seasons, Mizzou has really struggled with turning the ball over, especially against heavy pressure. This year's team doesn't have the offensive firepower to overcome giving the ball away 24 times and allowing 27 points off those turnovers. Entering the game, everyone knew Arkansas was going to press. It's what they do, and it's one of Missouri's biggest weaknesses. Mizzou still couldn't handle it. I thought the Tigers could have done some things better tonight, but really I think that just goes back to what we've been saying for a couple weeks now: Without Jontay, this team simply doesn't have the personnel to expect a .500 conference record or an NCAA berth. At a certain point, you can't coach or work your way out of talent deficiencies, and Missouri doesn't have enough talent to run with a team like Arkansas on the road.
The other aspect of the "same old story" is Tilmon getting into foul trouble. I thought he played a really nice first half, then he lapsed back into the Tilmon we've seen for much of the past month. He didn't score, committed four fouls and played 10 minutes in the second half. Three of those fouls were on the offensive end, which almost makes it more frustrating (especially the last one, less than a minute after he re-entered the game). He was clearly foul-conscious on defense, and he even gave up a few buckets because of it, which is okay. It may be a bit unfair to him, but Missouri just needs more than 17 good minutes out of Tilmon. The other frontcourt players aren't good enough. Puryear was oka tonight, but the other guys, man. Nikko had four fouls and no points in four minutes. KJ Santos didn't score in 20 minutes. Mitchell Smith didn't even play.
For all of you in the Xavier Pinson fan club, he looked great at times tonight. The crossover three was nasty, and he had a couple nice drives and dishes. He probably earned himself more playing time going forward with those plays. But he also showed why he's been in Cuonzo's doghouse lately. He had four turnovers, including one behind-the-back pass in traffic that went straight to an Arkansas player. He also just isn't a very good defender. He really struggled to stay in front of drivers tonight. I think a big part of that is strength, and I think he has the talent to be a really good point guard some day once he adds some size, but we all know the deal by now: With Cuonzo, if you don't play defense, you don't play. I know some of you disagree, but Cuonzo clearly thinks the best way to get Pinson to improve is by taking playing time away from him, not letting him work through his struggles on the floor. Time will tell if he's right.
I feel like I've been too negative so far. I really think Mizzou played decently well to hang in the game, especially Mark Smith. He hit some huge shots in the second half. But that also brings us to the real point of concern: If Smith and Javon Pickett miss playing time this team is really, really, really going to struggle to score. Cuonzo said after the game he thought Smith sprained his ankle but didn't know yet for sure. He said Pickett got hit in the back. Smith is clearly the team's best offensive player at this point. Pickett has been great all around, and i thought his absence loomed large on defense in the second half tonight. If neither can play against LSU, that game could get ugly in a hurry.
The other aspect of the "same old story" is Tilmon getting into foul trouble. I thought he played a really nice first half, then he lapsed back into the Tilmon we've seen for much of the past month. He didn't score, committed four fouls and played 10 minutes in the second half. Three of those fouls were on the offensive end, which almost makes it more frustrating (especially the last one, less than a minute after he re-entered the game). He was clearly foul-conscious on defense, and he even gave up a few buckets because of it, which is okay. It may be a bit unfair to him, but Missouri just needs more than 17 good minutes out of Tilmon. The other frontcourt players aren't good enough. Puryear was oka tonight, but the other guys, man. Nikko had four fouls and no points in four minutes. KJ Santos didn't score in 20 minutes. Mitchell Smith didn't even play.
For all of you in the Xavier Pinson fan club, he looked great at times tonight. The crossover three was nasty, and he had a couple nice drives and dishes. He probably earned himself more playing time going forward with those plays. But he also showed why he's been in Cuonzo's doghouse lately. He had four turnovers, including one behind-the-back pass in traffic that went straight to an Arkansas player. He also just isn't a very good defender. He really struggled to stay in front of drivers tonight. I think a big part of that is strength, and I think he has the talent to be a really good point guard some day once he adds some size, but we all know the deal by now: With Cuonzo, if you don't play defense, you don't play. I know some of you disagree, but Cuonzo clearly thinks the best way to get Pinson to improve is by taking playing time away from him, not letting him work through his struggles on the floor. Time will tell if he's right.
I feel like I've been too negative so far. I really think Mizzou played decently well to hang in the game, especially Mark Smith. He hit some huge shots in the second half. But that also brings us to the real point of concern: If Smith and Javon Pickett miss playing time this team is really, really, really going to struggle to score. Cuonzo said after the game he thought Smith sprained his ankle but didn't know yet for sure. He said Pickett got hit in the back. Smith is clearly the team's best offensive player at this point. Pickett has been great all around, and i thought his absence loomed large on defense in the second half tonight. If neither can play against LSU, that game could get ugly in a hurry.
