Tiger Tip-Off Preview: Vanderbilt

head coach Dennis Gates consider Missouri is getting into the hardest stretch of its schedule this week. According to ESPN, the Tigers have the second-toughest remaining schedule within the nation, solely trailing Arizona.

SIGN UP FOR A VIP MEMBERSHIP TODAY AND SAVE 50% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR

Mizzou begins the gauntlet taking over Vanderbilt at house. In the workforce’s final matchup a 12 months in the past at Memorial Gym in Nashville, the Tigers, ranked No. 14 within the nation on the time, led the Commodores by six with 1:33 remaining within the second half. Vandy rallied to tie the sport up at 81-81 on the buzzer and went on to take a 97-93 victory in additional time. That win helped the Commodores go on to earn an at-large bid within the NCAA Tournament.

The roles are reversed this time round, with Vanderbilt ranked nineteenth within the AP Top 25 Poll and the black and gold needing to enhance their resume to go dancing. Now in head coach Mark Byington’s second 12 months on the helm, the ‘Dores have received 5 of their previous six video games and have been held to below 80 factors simply 4 instances all through the season.

MU is trying to bounce again from an 85-68 loss to Texas on Saturday and defend his house court docket. Gates expects his workforce to be ready for the matchup.

“At this level, you have tremendous shot-makers, and we’ve got to get a hand up without fouling. We can’t send them to the line for easy shots,” Gates mentioned. “They’re a tremendous team when it comes down to scoring. They’ve been that throughout the entire year. They’ve been a spark of the SEC conference as our ‘elite’ team early on, where we were able to kind of jockey for position with other teams being able to get nationally ranked and otherwise. … You have to understand this is still a team that, in our conference, has been elite.”

TIP TIME INFORMATION

Who: Missouri (17-8, 7-5 SEC) vs. Vanderbilt (21-4, 8-4 SEC)

When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 8 pm CT

Where: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Missouri

TV: SEC Network

Series: Missouri leads, 10-9

KenPom Prediction: Vanderbilt 81, Missouri 75

SEC INJURY REPORT

Mizzou

Jevon Porter – Out

Annor Boateng – Out

Vanderbilt

Frankie Collins – Out

Duke Miles -Out

LAST GAME’S STARTERS

Missouri Tigers

Vanderbilt Commodores

BY THE NUMBERS

KEYS TO THE GAME

1) Knock down 3-pointers. While Vandy has been one of many high defensive groups within the nation, they’ve had a handful of lapses on that finish this 12 months. The Commodores are 2-4 this season when their opponent scores not less than 80 factors. In all however the workforce’s loss to Texas on Jan. 14, the opponent made 9 triples in these video games. And in all however the workforce’s win towards Alabama On Jan. 7, the opponent made not less than 37.5% from past the arc in these outings. Mizzou has achieved each feats 4 instances this season, together with in an 84-74 house win over Auburn on Jan. 14. The Tigers shot a excessive proportion towards the Longhorns on Saturday, however did not have a excessive variety of makes an attempt, going 4-10. MU would profit from a balanced inside-out method this week.

2) Key in on Tyler Tanner. After establishing himself as a rotation participant as a rookie, Tanner has grown into the face of Vanderbilt’s program. In SEC play, Tanner ranks No. 1 in convention play in help charge, accounting for 34.3% of the workforce’s dimes when he is on the ground. He additionally ranks eighth within the league with 6.0 fouls drawn per 40 minutes, and eighth with a free throw proportion of 86.2%. Tanner is averaging 20.8 factors and 5.9 assists to date in SEC play, however has been slowed down in just a few video games this 12 months. Arkansas held him to 11 factors on 3-10 taking pictures in his 93-68 win over Vandy on Jan. 8. The Tigers ought to look to do the same job of limiting their influence.

“Tyler Tanner is one of the most-improved players in the country,” Gates mentioned. “And when I say ‘improved,’ it’s not an insult, it’s just a matter of opportunity. … His speed, his quickness, very rarely does he make mistakes, being able to not only make decision quick but being able to get his team involved, he does a great job. He’s one of the best players in our conference and throughout the country this season.”

3) Gain an edge on the glass. Missouri had one among its worst performances on the boards in SEC play in its loss to Texas, getting outrebounded 36-26. It was harking back to how the Tigers fared rebounding in previous seasons, not how they’ve accomplished this 12 months. Cleaning the glass has been a little bit of a weak point for the Commodores, nevertheless, who rank 14th within the SEC in offensive rebounding charge based on KenPom and tenth in defensive rebounding charge. Florida He scored 22 second-chance factors on 13 offensive rebounds in his win over Vanderbilt. Oklahoma He scored 16 second-chance factors on 10 offensive rebounds when he took down the Commodores. Returning to type on the boards might assist give the Tigers an opportunity to return out with the win.

PREDICTION

I are inclined to assume Vanderbilt is best than Mizzou when each groups are at their finest. And whereas an off night time for the Commodores is not off the desk, they do not come round too typically. I’ve received Vandy handing the Tigers a second-straight loss, 90-82.

For a restricted time, you possibly can be part of EnergyMizzou on the 247Sports Network at an enormous low cost! You can save 50% in your first 12 months of an annual subscription, which comes out to a financial savings of greater than $60 in your first 12 months. Click right here to benefit from this provide.