And One: Tigers head to Nashville on a high note

Following each Mizzou basketball game this season, we will highlight a few notable takeaways from the performance in the ‘And-One.’

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP EVERY DAY WITH YOUR PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION!

Missouri has had days it has played excellent defense. It has had days it has been good on offense. On Saturday, the Tigers finally put them both together.

Alabama came into Saturday's game making 11 three-pointers per contest, the second most in the country. On Saturday, they made just four in 25 attempts as Mizzou won going away, 69-50. Cuonzo Martin's approach headed into the game was to give up a few baskets inside if it meant cutting off Alabama's shooters.

"I thought they did a good job of bringing the scouting report to the wood," the Mizzou coach said.

Health played a part in the defensive success too. John Petty returned from injury for Alabama, but made just one free throw in 34 minutes. He averaged 15 points per game for the season and was shooting 45% from three-point range, fourth-best in the country. Meanwhile, Mizzou had Jeremiah Tilmon and Mark Smith looking as close to full strength as they have since December.

"I think we had ups and downs of showing elite level defense throughout conference play," Martin said. "Those are two of our better defenders when they were out. So now you don't have a perimeter guy that I would consider an elite defender, now you don't have an interior presence. Now you have to grow and you take some lumps."

Missouri took plenty of them, but was handing them out on this day. And for once, the offense caught up. Missouri struggled for 30 minutes, but scored on 16 of its final 18 possessions, outscoring Alabama 35-12 the rest of the way.

"Run, run, run," Martin said. "I was looking forward to the fact, they get out and run, let's get out and run. I think we're better with transition baskets. It's always hard to score against a half court defense. If you can get out in transition and score the ball, get out and run."

Reed Nikko had one of his least productive games statistically in the last few weeks. The Tigers' lone senior logged just three points and three rebounds in 16 minutes. Part of that was the return of a healthy and effective Tilmon, who had eight points, nine rebounds and just three fouls in 24 minutes.

But Nikko has been Missouri's ultimate team player over the last four years. No matter how many points he had, Missouri won his final home game. His coach had high praise for him afterward.

"The guy made a transition from Minnesota to Columbia to be a part of a program and I know he'll be very successful," Martin said. "He has a humble soul and he has a huge heart and he just wants to live a peaceful life. He's one of those guys that you migrate to him because you know his word is genuine. He's a sincere man. He gives sound counsel, the young guys look up to him. All those things that you would want in a son and if you have a daughter, he's a guy that I would want my daughter to marry, so to speak. All those things, he exudes that. I enjoy being around him."

Nikko won't be around next year, but every other scholarship player is eligible to. For a second straight home game, the opposing coach sees a bright future for the Tigers.

"This is gonna be a really good team next year," Alabama's Nate Oats said. "I think the future’s pretty bright around here."

Missouri's next stop is the SEC Tournament in Nashville. The Tigers don't yet know if they will play Wednesday or Thursday. If Texas A&M beats Arkansas (the Aggies lead 48-43 as this is being written) and Mississippi State knocks off Ole Miss, the Tigers will be the 10 seed. That would mean a 6:00 p.m. Thursday opener against No. 7 seed Texas A&M, which beat the Tigers twice. If either of those games goes the other way, Mizzou is the 11 seed and will open tournament play on Wednesday.

If either the Razorbacks or the Rebels win and the other loses, Missouri would play Vanderbilt in the late game Wednesday, approximately 8:30. If both Ole Miss and Arkansas win, the Tigers still meet Vandy in the 11/14 game.

"It's just basketball. I like playing games," Martin said. "You put yourself in the situation so you have to deal with it. Whatever that is, whoever the opponent is, let's roll. It's time to play some ball."

CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM: Everybody except Reed Nikko is eligible to come back. It's been about the future for a couple of months now and Missouri fans have to hang their hopes on the fact that the returning players will improve with an extra year of experience.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN: Another season is gone and Missouri is 12 more months removed from being a relevant program. The Tigers are better than they were three years ago, but not good enough to resuscitate the fanbase and breathe life back into a once-proud program. Saturday's win was better than the alternative but really didn't mean much of anything.

STOCK UP: The cholesterol of one Mizzou fan. Credit to the guy who made a 64-foot putt thus earning free bacon for a year from Burgers' Smokehouse in a season-long promotion that had not yet paid off. It was by far the best long distance shot of the day.

STOCK DOWN: Meaningful March basketball. Barring a miracle run in Nashville at the SEC Tournament (which may well require five wins in five days), Missouri will miss the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in eight years. The Tigers are 26 games under .500 in that span. The last NCAA Tournament win came on March 19, 2010, 86-78 over Clemson. That was three coaches and 12 days short of a decade ago.

UP NEXT: Missouri (15-16) will play in the SEC Tournament. The Tigers will be the 10 or 11 seed and will face Vanderbilt on Wednesday or Texas A&M on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena.

Ever go home after a long day and want to mix yourself a fancy cocktail, but don’t have the time or ingredients? Let Boulevard Beverage Company be your bartender! Introducing ready to drink Fling Craft Cocktails in a can. These flavorful spirit-based drinks are made with all natural ingredients and offer low calories and carbs. Try our blood orange vodka soda, cucumber lime gin and tonic, mai-tai and margarita. Click on the logo above for more information.

Fling Cocktails, the official game day sponsor of PowerMizzou.com Go Tigers!