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. Later in the season we will add in some stats and trends.
Here is the breakdown of tonight's game at Utah.
THE STARTING LINEUPS
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Guard the line. Utah can shoot the ball. The Utes have been over 50% from the field in both of their games and have made 18 three-pointers, including 13 against Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday. Gabe Bealer hit six of those. The Utes could also get leading scorer Sedrick Barefield back, who missed the last game with a stomach bug. Missouri has been good defensively, holding each of its first two opponents under 60 points, but the Utes have more options on offense than Iowa State or Wagner.
2. Battle in the post. Missouri was simply much, much bigger than its first two opponents. Utah starts two 6-foot-10 players and brings 6-foot-8 Chris Seeley off the bench. The Utes have three guys averaging at least seven rebounds a game. That means Mizzou needs Jeremiah Tilmon to stay on the floor and Jontay Porter to be as active as he was last time out. Kevin Puryear and Jordan Barnett will need to help on the boards and Reed Nikko will need to provide a few minutes as well, especially if the Tigers are without Michael Porter Jr. as we expect them to be.
3. Handle the atmosphere. The Utes are building this one up as their premier home non-conference game. Utah is going to start four seniors. Missouri has some guys who have been in games like this away from home, but for many of the Tigers, this is the first road game they'll play. Missouri hasn't been challenged yet. The Tigers have played 80 minutes and haven't trailed. So how will they react if Utah comes out fired up and gets off to a quick start? Nobody knows just yet.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
Tipoff: 7 p.m. Central time (6 p.m. local time)
Television: PAC-12 Network. Check your cable or satellite provider to see if you get the channel. If not, here are options for you to be able to watch online, but most will require a subscription.
Radio: The game will be broadcast on the Tiger Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, click here.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Like Missouri, Utah has a new look team, so it's tough to know exactly what to expect. The Utes are 2-0 with two lopsided wins, but haven't faced a team with a pulse yet. Missouri has proven it can play without Michael Porter Jr., but how much have the Tigers been tested themselves (especially in the wake of Iowa State's 18-point home loss to Milwaukee)?
They'll be tested in this one. This is the first benchmark game where we might get an idea what to expect out of the Tigers. Expect some nerves and rough patches. The Tigers have to cut down on the turnovers and get good shots. They're not likely to match the 67% shooting from the last game, but this is a team with plenty of offensive weapons that can get good shots.
Keeping Tilmon on the floor and holding their own against Utah's more experienced big men will be a key.
PREDICTION: Missouri 69, Utah 65
PLAYER OF THE GAME: We're going to go with Jordan Barnett, who is a matchup problem and playing very well. He goes for 19 to lead the Tigers and Mizzou ices the game at the free throw line late.
