We turn the Starting Five preview to the women’s side today. In this feature, we’ll give you the anticipated starting lineups for each team, break down keys to a Missouri win and offer up a prediction.Here’s the breakdown of tonight’s home game against Kentucky:
OFF THE BENCH: Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell will most likely look to freshman Tatyana Wyatt off the bench first. The 6-2 forward has started some games throughout the season, and she averages 7.3 points per game with 3.8 rebounds; she’s also recorded a 20-point game in early December. Freshman Dorie Harrison will also bring a threat to the paint. Standing at 6-foot-3, she averages 6.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
OFF THE BENCH: Robin Pingeton has had so much faith in her bench, and tonight won’t be any different. Kayla Michael will provide key minutes in the post alongside Cierra Porter or Jordan Frericks. Hannah Schuchts can help out too. Jordan Chavis continues to provide the beyond-the-arc shooting that Missouri needs, as well as bringing the ball up the court.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Win in the post. Kentucky has some tall players, and its post players specifically have been a huge part of the turnaround for the Wildcats, who have won three of their last four games. McKinney had 12 rebounds against Arkansas on Jan. 29, and Harrison has scored in double figures in three of her last five games off the bench. The Tigers need to continue their dominate post play from Monday into tonight’s game to win the boards and score those points in the paint.
2. Bring tough defense. The Wildcats have shot an average of 47.6 percent in their last five games, including a 64.7 shooting percentage against Alabama on Jan. 25. The Tigers allowed Florida to cash in too many shots — especially three pointers — on Monday. That can’t happen tonight, especially if Missouri’s offense remains colder than usual.
3. Where are the shooters? Florida did an incredible job of shutting down Sophie Cunningham, Lauren Aldridge and Amber Smith on Monday night. The three combined for a total of 16 points. Luckily, Porter and Frericks found a rhythm and bailed the Tigers out, but that won’t happen every game. Missouri is still waiting for the game that all of its players are on, or at least not cold. Those shooting guards need to find ways to get open tonight to knock down the shots that the Tigers need.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 8 p.m. Central
TELEVISION: SEC Network
RADIO: Tiger Radio Network
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kentucky (12-12, 4-6 SEC) is on a roll right now, and wins are wins, no matter who they come against. The Wildcats begin a tough stretch now, with No. 15 Missouri (18-5, 6-4) tonight and No. 2 Mississippi State on Sunday. They still play the Bulldogs and South Carolina again this season, too. A win against Missouri could just boost that morale even more, so you know they’re going to come out with a good game plan tonight. On the other hand, Missouri now has that first win after a losing streak off its back and looks to keep righting itself. Bottom line, Missouri should win this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cats gave the Tigers a run for their money, much like we saw on Monday night.
PREDICTION: Missouri 64, Kentucky 58
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Amber Smith needs to get hot on offense again. So, this’ll be the game it happens. She’ll have 18 points and seven rebounds.
