Prior to each Mizzou hoops game this season, we will get Tiger fans set with The Starting Five. 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 is the breakdown of tonight's game against Kentucky.
OFF THE BENCH: Quade Green and P.J. Washington both play starter's minutes, each averaging more than 25 per night. Washington leads the Cats with 49 offensive rebounds and scores in double figures. Green has started 13 games and is UK's best three-point shooter at a little over 37%. Jarrad Vanderbilt has played in just 11 games since coming back from injury, but is averaging a ridiculous 7.1 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. Sacha Killeya-Jones will finish out John Calipari's regular nine-man rotation.
OFF THE BENCH: Jordan Geist is the main (only) reserve in the backcourt, coming off the bench averaging 7.7 points and nearly three assists in 25 minutes per game. Jontay Porter is the top frontcourt reserve. Porter has had an inconsistent freshman season, but is averaging 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per night.. Reed Nikko will see some time as well, mostly in the first half. Michael Porter Jr. has been cleared for practice and could theoretically be available, but he is not expected to play.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Shut down Knox again. Last time these two teams played, the Wildcats' leading scorer had just five points on six shots. The raucous Mizzou Arena crowd booed him every time he touched the ball and got in his head. The Tigers won't have their help this time around. Missouri's defense will have to do the job. When Knox doesn't score, Kentucky's offense really suffers. Cullen VanLeer started with the assignment last time. It will be interesting to see how Cuonzo Martin attacks UK this time.
2. Win big from deep. Kentucky does not shoot the three-pointer well. The Cats are just 33% as a team and made only two of 20 the last time the teams played. Missouri relies on the long ball offensively and is going to have to hit some in this one. Easier said than done for Kassius Robertson, Jordan Barnett and crew. Kentucky is holding its opponents to a 29.2% mark from three-point range this year.
3. Keep the big men in the game. Fouls haven't been as much of a problem lately, but it's always there on the back burner for Jeremiah Tilmon and Jontay Porter. If they're on the bench early in this one, it's hard to see Missouri having much of a shot short of Michael Porter Jr. shedding his warmups for a Superman cape and saving the day. Kentucky has a lot of length and some depth. Missouri has enough of the first, but not nearly enough of the second.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 7:16 p.m. Central
TELEVISION: ESPN/WatchESPN
RADIO: The game will be broadcast on the Tiger Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, click here.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This game is largely about Kentucky. If the Wildcats show up and play at the level they have the last couple of games, they'll likely win at home. That hasn't happened every night. And if Mizzou plays at the level it has the last couple games, Kentucky will also likely win. This one just doesn't have the feeling of one that goes Missouri's way.
PREDICTION: Kentucky 68, Missouri 55
PLAYER OF THE GAME: As the Tigers struggle shooting the ball, Jordan Geist has 12 points and four assists.
