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 SEC opener against South Carolina.
OFF THE BENCH: Felipe Haase is the top option off the bench for Frank Martin, averaging 7.3 points and 5.5 boards in 21 minutes per game. Myers normally comes off the bench, but started the SEC opener because starting point guard Hassani Gravett did not play with a sprained ankle. If Gravett returns, he enters the lineup, but no one knows his status quite yet. David Beatty plays 15 minutes off the bench and Kory Holden about 11 in what is an eight- or nine-man rotation depending on Gravett's availability.
OFF THE BENCH: Jordan Geist is the backup point guard with Harris taking over more of the minutes last time out against Illinois. Geist and Terrence Phillips will both still see action. Jontay Porter struggled a little big going into Christmas break, but is still probably Missouri's most complete player. . Cullen VanLeer and Reed Nikko will see some time as well.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Hold on to the basketball. Frank Martin's team doesn't quite play the same pressure style of defense the last couple teams that gave Missouri fits do, but South Carolina is going to be up in Missouri's face all night long. Martin's reputation has been build on the toughness and tenacity on defense. If Missouri wants to flirt with 20 turnovers again, forget about it.
2. Get something from the four man. After the loss to Illinois, Cuonzo Martin singled out the power forward spot. Much of Missouri's offense runs through that position and the Tigers need strong contributions from Jontay Porter or Kevin Puryear or both. That needs to start on Wednesday night.
3. Play even on the inside. The Tigers have lived and died by the three. But ultimately the success may depend on what they can do down low. Silva is a talented big man and Kotsar and Haase are both guys that can score and rebound. Tilmon and Porter will have to hold their own against a much more experienced frontcourt.
TIP TIME INFORMATION
TIPOFF: 8:05 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 no gimmie. But it is the type of game that Missouri needs to win if it wants to play in the NCAA Tournament. Road games against the bottom half of the league are ones you need to boost the resume. The Tigers didn't look good the last time out, but have had nearly two weeks to reset. The Gamecocks lost to Ole Miss over the weekend and may still be without their starting point guard.
PREDICTION: Missouri 73, South Carolina 67
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jeremiah Tilmon makes a strong statement to start league play with 14 points and ten rebounds.
