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 today's game against LSU.
OFF THE BENCH: Brandon Sampson and Randy Onwuasor are Will Wade's primary men off the bench. Both are guards that average between 15 and 20 minutes a game. Sampson averages 7.7 points per game. Brandon Rachal (6-5) and Wayde Sims (6-6) will both see minutes off the bench as well.
OFF THE BENCH: Jordan Geist doesn't start at point guard, but he gets starter's minutes. He is averaging 24 minutes per game (fourth on the team) and has been very solid during Mizzou's five-game winning streak. Jontay Porter is has been hot-and-cold lately. He shot just 4-13 against Texas A&M, but nearly posted a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. He averages 8.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots per game. Reed Nikko will see some time as well spelling Porter and Tilmon.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Control the pace. LSU can get up and down and averages 77 points a game. They have some good athletes and don't have a lot of size beyond the two starting big men. Missouri is at its best when it can slow things down, limit possessions and choose its spots to run.
2. Pound the boards. LSU has a negative rebounding margin on the season. Missouri has to get on the glass...particularly on the offensive end. This is a game where Jontay Porter can have a big impact. Kevin Puryear and Jordan Barnett are also capable of having big rebounding games. Missouri needs to create extra opportunities to score.
3. Don't let Waters take over. Tremont Waters is one of the top point guards in the SEC this season. Not only is he LSU's leading scorer, but he dishes out six assists a game. Missouri's got to do its best to stay in front of him. If he gets in the lane and has a chance to find open teammates, LSU can make it a long day for the visiting Tigers. He could also play a big role in putting Porter and Jeremiah Tilmon on the bench in foul trouble.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 1:00 p.m. Central
TELEVISION: ESPN2/WatchESPN
RADIO: The game will be broadcast on the Tiger Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, click here.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This one's a tossup. Missouri has won three games on the road in league play, but the last time they went on the road they fell in an 11-0 hole to Ole Miss, perhaps due to feeling pretty good about themselves after a couple of nice wins. The Tigers are now riding a five-game winning streak. Considering how close the last two have been you wouldn't think overconfidence would seek in, but you never know. LSU started out 0-3 at home in league games and has now won three in a row (including Texas A&M and Arkansas). The home Tigers have some talent, but they aren't consistent. If Mizzou wins this one, a top four seed in the conference tournament starts to look not only possible but likely. But we see the winning streak coming to an end in Baton Rouge.
PREDICTION: LSU 74, Missouri 69
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jontay Porter finds his offense a little bit and scores 14 points to go with eight rebounds.
