Full disclosure, I wasn't able to watch tonight's Gulf Coast Showcase matchup between Missouri and Michigan. I was flying back home from my Thanksgiving vacation.
However, when I reached Tampa Internation Airport and got the ESPN notification, I wasn't surprised when the outcome was Missouri losing to the Wolverines 70-56.
Despite the blowout victory over SIU Edwardsville on Monday, the Tigers have struggled mightily throughout the first two weeks of the 2018-19 season. Offensively Missouri cannot seem to find a rhythm, it doesn't look like it's getting any better.
It isn't time to panic, the Tigers have only played five games. But tonight was more of the same and that's disheartening.
I can't get into specific details from the game because I wasn't able to watch. But looking at the box score was all too familiar for me. So here are three quick takeaways from Missouri's 14 point loss.
This excludes Missouri's shooting woes. The Tigers shot 17 percent in the first half and 48 percent in the second. Without seeing the shot selection, I can't confidently comment on those percentages.
Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers
Heading into tonight's game Missouri was averaging 16 turnovers a game and that trend continued against Michigan. The Tigers had 18 turnovers tonight that translated into 20 points off turnovers for Michigan. Missouri's goal is to be under 10 per game, the Tigers lowest has been 14 through five games.
Sophie Cunningham
No one is questioning the talent of the "Mayor of Columbia" but she has struggled in the past three games. Cunningham has been scored 8, 14, and 9 in those games respectively. A lot of it is due to foul trouble, which more often than not has been on questionable calls. But, it is what it is. Cunningham has to score more than eight or nine points for this team to be successful.
It's a combination of Missouri working through issues in the new uptempo offense and lack of opportunity. Cunningham needs more shots, she went 3-9 against Michigan in 30 minutes of play. That can't happen.
In the past few games, Cunningham has either dominated the possession or not touched the ball at all. There hasn't been any middle ground and that has to change moving forward. Missouri offense is much more explosive when she is involved.
Lauren Aldridge
Akira Levy may be the future, but moving Aldridge off the ball is hurting the Tigers this season. It's clear that Aldridge is still adjusting to not being the primary ball handler and in the meantime, she is suffering offensively.
Aldridge averaged 9.3 points last season and was down to six points per game heading into tonight's game. More importantly, Aldridge averaged 3.5 assists per game last season and she had 7 assists through the first four games of the season.
Aldridge doesn't have to be the "point guard" but she does need to be more of a playmaker for Missouri. She has been relegated to a spot-up jump shooter this season and for the Tigers to succeed her role needs to expand.
However, when I reached Tampa Internation Airport and got the ESPN notification, I wasn't surprised when the outcome was Missouri losing to the Wolverines 70-56.
Despite the blowout victory over SIU Edwardsville on Monday, the Tigers have struggled mightily throughout the first two weeks of the 2018-19 season. Offensively Missouri cannot seem to find a rhythm, it doesn't look like it's getting any better.
It isn't time to panic, the Tigers have only played five games. But tonight was more of the same and that's disheartening.
I can't get into specific details from the game because I wasn't able to watch. But looking at the box score was all too familiar for me. So here are three quick takeaways from Missouri's 14 point loss.
This excludes Missouri's shooting woes. The Tigers shot 17 percent in the first half and 48 percent in the second. Without seeing the shot selection, I can't confidently comment on those percentages.
Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers
Heading into tonight's game Missouri was averaging 16 turnovers a game and that trend continued against Michigan. The Tigers had 18 turnovers tonight that translated into 20 points off turnovers for Michigan. Missouri's goal is to be under 10 per game, the Tigers lowest has been 14 through five games.
Sophie Cunningham
No one is questioning the talent of the "Mayor of Columbia" but she has struggled in the past three games. Cunningham has been scored 8, 14, and 9 in those games respectively. A lot of it is due to foul trouble, which more often than not has been on questionable calls. But, it is what it is. Cunningham has to score more than eight or nine points for this team to be successful.
It's a combination of Missouri working through issues in the new uptempo offense and lack of opportunity. Cunningham needs more shots, she went 3-9 against Michigan in 30 minutes of play. That can't happen.
In the past few games, Cunningham has either dominated the possession or not touched the ball at all. There hasn't been any middle ground and that has to change moving forward. Missouri offense is much more explosive when she is involved.
Lauren Aldridge
Akira Levy may be the future, but moving Aldridge off the ball is hurting the Tigers this season. It's clear that Aldridge is still adjusting to not being the primary ball handler and in the meantime, she is suffering offensively.
Aldridge averaged 9.3 points last season and was down to six points per game heading into tonight's game. More importantly, Aldridge averaged 3.5 assists per game last season and she had 7 assists through the first four games of the season.
Aldridge doesn't have to be the "point guard" but she does need to be more of a playmaker for Missouri. She has been relegated to a spot-up jump shooter this season and for the Tigers to succeed her role needs to expand.
