1. Projected score was 68-54. Final was 64-48. SIU closed on a 9-0 run making it a bit closer than it really was. Regardless, acceptable result.
2. The offensive side. Tigers went 8-22 from 3, marking their second highest figure on the season...which is startling, considering 36% is what they shot as a team last year. And even moreso when you had a shooter knock down 7-9. The others were 1-13...yikes. Plus side, Mizzou dominated the paint going 17-32 without the benefit of a paint point from Tilmon. Pickett has settled into his role as garbage man. Watson hit a couple buckets which is noteworthy these days. Were a little sloppy with 15 to's, but not back breaking.
3. Defensively, excellent performance. SIU was 10/36 from the floor for 25 points. This the game after allowing temple to go 17/49 for 36 points. Not sure what the "eye test's" conclusion would be, but allowing 61 points on fg's in 80 minutes is statistically very good. Neither of temple or SIU is an elite offense, or even close, but they were made to look horrid. Solid work.
4. Free throws allowed are the lone blemish. Temple went 18-26 and SIU 23-26 from the line. Anything over 20 is poor. Not quite the 40 allowed back in the early Mike Anderson days, but that number has to be reduced. The nature of a physical defense will lead to fouls, but still.
5. To's were a wash at 15-14. To say mizzou dominated the glass is underselling it, 41-20 and 16-4 on the offensive side. Tigers had 13 helpers to 4 of SIU, but you don't get an assist on free throws, so...
6. Player of the game is easy, Mark Smith. Anyone who hits 2+ 3's at a 50% clip or better is in the running. 7/9 is a no brainer Special mention to Pickett for nice back to back outings with a 13/6 performance. Dru wasn't real recognizable, but he was a missed bunny away from a double double with 8/10
7. Frontcourt where art thou? 4 players combine for 6 points and 7 boards. Yeesh. Throw in 7 to's and you have a thoroughly terrible group performance. We talked in the game thread about Tilmon routinely getting doubled. He mad several nice passes to cutters for easy buckets, which is good to see. But they'll continue to have to do so and eventually hit outside shots to loosen up the constipation that is our post offense.
The Illinois tour continues next Saturday with U of I. A win helps further erase the sins of our early season swoon. A loss confirms it. Always a great atmosphere (save for Kim years).
It's gonna take awhile to get the poor taste out of fans mouths after the 3 game losing streak. The positive news is the last 2 are more reminiscent of the first 5. Means little at this point, but better than the alternative.
Note: Wofford knocked off the Tar Heels in the Dean Some today.
Apologies for typos, this was a phone effort.
P.S. Fvck Illinois
2. The offensive side. Tigers went 8-22 from 3, marking their second highest figure on the season...which is startling, considering 36% is what they shot as a team last year. And even moreso when you had a shooter knock down 7-9. The others were 1-13...yikes. Plus side, Mizzou dominated the paint going 17-32 without the benefit of a paint point from Tilmon. Pickett has settled into his role as garbage man. Watson hit a couple buckets which is noteworthy these days. Were a little sloppy with 15 to's, but not back breaking.
3. Defensively, excellent performance. SIU was 10/36 from the floor for 25 points. This the game after allowing temple to go 17/49 for 36 points. Not sure what the "eye test's" conclusion would be, but allowing 61 points on fg's in 80 minutes is statistically very good. Neither of temple or SIU is an elite offense, or even close, but they were made to look horrid. Solid work.
4. Free throws allowed are the lone blemish. Temple went 18-26 and SIU 23-26 from the line. Anything over 20 is poor. Not quite the 40 allowed back in the early Mike Anderson days, but that number has to be reduced. The nature of a physical defense will lead to fouls, but still.
5. To's were a wash at 15-14. To say mizzou dominated the glass is underselling it, 41-20 and 16-4 on the offensive side. Tigers had 13 helpers to 4 of SIU, but you don't get an assist on free throws, so...
6. Player of the game is easy, Mark Smith. Anyone who hits 2+ 3's at a 50% clip or better is in the running. 7/9 is a no brainer Special mention to Pickett for nice back to back outings with a 13/6 performance. Dru wasn't real recognizable, but he was a missed bunny away from a double double with 8/10
7. Frontcourt where art thou? 4 players combine for 6 points and 7 boards. Yeesh. Throw in 7 to's and you have a thoroughly terrible group performance. We talked in the game thread about Tilmon routinely getting doubled. He mad several nice passes to cutters for easy buckets, which is good to see. But they'll continue to have to do so and eventually hit outside shots to loosen up the constipation that is our post offense.
The Illinois tour continues next Saturday with U of I. A win helps further erase the sins of our early season swoon. A loss confirms it. Always a great atmosphere (save for Kim years).
It's gonna take awhile to get the poor taste out of fans mouths after the 3 game losing streak. The positive news is the last 2 are more reminiscent of the first 5. Means little at this point, but better than the alternative.
Note: Wofford knocked off the Tar Heels in the Dean Some today.
Apologies for typos, this was a phone effort.
P.S. Fvck Illinois
