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 Ole Miss.
OFF THE BENCH: Ole Miss has had ten players start at least once and nine players start at least six times. Add in the fact that Tony Madlock will coach the team for the first time means just about any lineup is possible. If the five guys above start, look for leading scorer Deandre Burnett to be the first guy off the bench. Devontae Shuler averaged 6.5 points in 19 minutes a game under Andy Kennedy. Dominik Olejniczak and Justas Furmanivicius will see action as well.
OFF THE BENCH: Jordan Geist has been a key to Missouri's turnaround. He's limited turnovers and come up with key shots. Geist is shooting 48% from the field and 41% from three this season and has a 2.1:1 assist to turnover ratio in league play. Jontay Porter is the barometer for this team. He's averaging 10.2 points a game in SEC play. When he scores ten or more, the Tigers are 13-0. When he is in single digits, they're 5-9. Reed Nikko will provide Missouri a few minutes off the bench up front and if the backcourt gets in foul trouble, Brett Rau even filled in for a few minutes at LSU.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Take away their hope. Ole Miss is going through turmoil right now. Teams like that can rally around an interim coach, but if they get down early, they'll often fold. Missouri has to make Ole Miss fold. Jump out early and put this one away.
2. Slow it down. The Rebels gave Missouri trouble for the portion of the game in Oxford where they could get out and run. Ole Miss is at its best when the game is more chaotic. Mizzou has to instill some structure and keep the possessions down.
3. Play your game. Cuonzo Martin said after the LSU game that he thought Mizzou got away from doing some of the things that had made it successful. The Tigers are the better team here. If they go out and play their game, they should win and maybe with ease.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 8:00 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 is a game Missouri can't lose. The Tigers are two wins from being comfortable with an NCAA Tournament bid and three from being a lock. This is the easiest game the Tigers have left. Ole Miss has looked on the verge of mailing it in for a handful of games now with Andy Kennedy resigning. It's up to the Tigers to make sure they don't get up off the mat.
PREDICTION: Missouri 79, Ole Miss 66
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jordan Barnett hits four threes on the way to 19 points.
