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 game at Auburn:
OFF THE BENCH: Auburn head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy will most likely turn to forward Emari Jones on the bench tonight. The 6-foot-2 junior averages 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She can also bring a heavy impact on Auburn’s press. Redshirt senior Tiffany Lewis will bring a presence on the wing; she averages 4.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
OFF THE BENCH: Jordan Chavis finally got her shooting back against Arkansas earlier this week with 12 points off the bench. Her ball-handling skills will also help out big against Auburn’s press. Hannah Schuchts has scored in double figures Monday against Arkansas with 10 and could be a threatening presence down low.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Break the press. Auburn is relentless in its press, as Robin Pingeton has noted. It is one of the best in the country, and the home Tigers are ranked fifth in the country in forced turnovers per game (23.21). They lead the league in steals per game (13.4) and have two of the league’s top individuals in steals: Janiah McKay and Daisa Alexander. Missouri is going to really have to take care of the ball if it wants to get a good shot up and make those shots count.
2. Play 40 minutes. Missouri has built a lead through three quarters and then watched it slip away in the fourth during some recent games, including Florida and Kentucky last week. The Tigers might see the same happen tonight against Auburn, and if Missouri doesn’t continue to play consistently for all 40 minutes, Auburn could sneak past. The press could wear on Missouri like it did against Kentucky, so if Auburn gets its shots to fall late in the game, it could be looking at its first win over a ranked opponent this season.
3. Don’t overlook this team. Eyes might be peeking toward’s Sunday’s matchup against No. 11 Tennessee, but Missouri needs this win on the road. Auburn has a tough defense that is unlike anything else Missouri has seen in the league this year. While Tennessee might be a tougher opponent, Auburn could easily slip past Missouri if Missouri doesn’t come out with the same fierceness it has in the past.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 6 p.m. Central
TELEVISION: SEC Network+
RADIO: Tiger Radio Network
THE BOTTOM LINE
No. 13 Missouri (19-5, 8-4 SEC) is approaching the postseason very quickly, and every win now counts if it wants a chance at hosting a regional. This game is no different. Auburn (13-11, 4-8) will bring the heat defensively and try to wear the visiting Tigers out. Missouri has to be on top of it — and it sure wouldn’t hurt if they came out like they did the first quarter at Arkansas on Monday. Nevertheless, Missouri’s guards are going to have to work to get the ball up the court and inside, but if/when that happens, Missouri’s offense should be fine.
PREDICTION: Missouri 64, Auburn 54
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sophie Cunningham will find a way around Auburn’s defense and put up 20 points.
