-Let's start with the good news: Mizzou is playing good enough defense to win this game. They've got the edge in the turnover margin and are closing out really well on Alabama's shooters. Nearly all of their points have come in the paint. Raise your hand if you thought the Crimson Tide were going to start the game 0-10 from outside. The Tigers' defense is mostly about creating chaos and confusing the opposing offense. They've done that pretty well so far.
-Now for the bad news: Missouri's been even worse than Alabama on offense. The looks they've gotten haven't been bad, but it definitely feels like there are a few extra nerves in this game - when's the last time we saw multiple guys airball a 3 from this team? Because the outside shots aren't falling, the team has been trying to force the issue around the rim and trying to draw fouls. The calls haven't been there today. They've either got to start finishing through contact or hitting their treys.
-Noah Carter did both of those things around the 4-minute mark, getting a layup and a triple to keep the lead at double digits. Also came up with a diving rebound that led to a Gholston 3 to cut it down to 4 and then had a dunk on the next possession. He's been really good today.
-Mizzou needs more out of its point guards. Nick Honor and Sean East have one assist between the two of them. They aren't turning the ball over, which is a plus, but you'd like to see them attack the teeth of the defense with a little bit more of a plan than pulling up for a contested floater or stopping in the paint and looking for a teammate to bail them out.
-D'Moi Hodge hadn't taken a single 3-pointer before that buzzer-beater. As @GabeD likes to say, he has no conscience. They have to spring him open for a few more looks outside.
-I was worried about Kobe there when he took a long time to get up after diving for that loses ball. Glad to see it seems he's alright.
-Altogether not a bad half and definitely an improvement since the last time they played Bama. It seemed like the team figured out some things on the offensive end down the stretch, they'll need to keep it up to regain the lead.
-Now for the bad news: Missouri's been even worse than Alabama on offense. The looks they've gotten haven't been bad, but it definitely feels like there are a few extra nerves in this game - when's the last time we saw multiple guys airball a 3 from this team? Because the outside shots aren't falling, the team has been trying to force the issue around the rim and trying to draw fouls. The calls haven't been there today. They've either got to start finishing through contact or hitting their treys.
-Noah Carter did both of those things around the 4-minute mark, getting a layup and a triple to keep the lead at double digits. Also came up with a diving rebound that led to a Gholston 3 to cut it down to 4 and then had a dunk on the next possession. He's been really good today.
-Mizzou needs more out of its point guards. Nick Honor and Sean East have one assist between the two of them. They aren't turning the ball over, which is a plus, but you'd like to see them attack the teeth of the defense with a little bit more of a plan than pulling up for a contested floater or stopping in the paint and looking for a teammate to bail them out.
-D'Moi Hodge hadn't taken a single 3-pointer before that buzzer-beater. As @GabeD likes to say, he has no conscience. They have to spring him open for a few more looks outside.
-I was worried about Kobe there when he took a long time to get up after diving for that loses ball. Glad to see it seems he's alright.
-Altogether not a bad half and definitely an improvement since the last time they played Bama. It seemed like the team figured out some things on the offensive end down the stretch, they'll need to keep it up to regain the lead.
