Game Info
When | 6:00 p.m. CT
Where | Mizzou Arena; Columbia, MO
TV | ESPN2
Radio | Tiger Radio Network
Twitter | @MizzouHoops
ESPN win probability | 47.1% chance
The Starters
Mizzou (12-4, 2-1 SEC)
G: Anthony Robinson II (JR, 11.0 PPG)
G: Jayden Stone (GR, 13.9 PPG)
F: Jacob Crews (GR, 12.6 PPG)
F: Mark Mitchell (SR, 17.4 PPG)
C: Shawn Phillips, Jr. (SR, 8.0 PPG)
Notable Sixth Man: Trent Pierce (JR, 8.3 PPG)
Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC)
F: Sebastian Williams-Adams (FR, 7.1 PPG)
F: Keyshawn Hall (SR, 21.7 PPG)
G: KeShawn Murphy (SR, 10.1 PPG)
G: Kevin Overton (JR, 12.9 PPG)
G: Kaden Magwood
(FR, 3.3 PPG)
Notable Sixth Man: Tahaad Pettiford (SO, 14.3 PPG)
Note: these starting lineups are projected.
Get to know Auburn: a team with both a new lead and supporting cast
With nearly 50 days to go before the start of this season, Bruce Pearl stepped away from Auburn basketball. In a Twitter post, Pearl relayed his decision. Overall, he was at the helm for 11 seasons and earned the title of winningest head coach in program history (232-125). Alongside those wins was two Final Four bids.
When he stepped down, he elected none other than his son Steven Pearl to take over as head coach. Now, (new) Pearl was an associate head coach and defensive coordinator on his dad’s staff, also known for his ability to scout and recruit, but before the hire he’d never won a college game as the top dog. He also wasn’t handed a light schedule to kick off non-conference play.
To open its season, Auburn won three consecutive games before facing then No. 1 Houston. The Tigers went on small win streaks for the rest of non-con with only three more losses. Those three were also to then No. 1’s — Michigan, Arizona and Purdue. In conference play, Auburn dropped its first two before finally claiming victory against No. 15 Arkansas. However, one game still remains quite a bit controversial: a two-point A&M loss. KeShawn Murphy appeared to drain a game-winning three, but it was overturned after review for being released too late and the 16-point comeback was erased.
Auburn enters Columbia still looking to prove itself; however, they also arrive with momentum and a brighter identity. At the end of the season, the Tigers lost a majority of its production, returning just four of its players, one of which being a consistent contributor. TaHaad Pettiford averaged 11.6 points last season and as a sophomore has increased his average total nearly three points.
Alongside him on the court today are transfers KeShawn Murphy, Keyshawn Hall and Kevin Magwood. The biggest acquisition this season has been Hall, averaging north of 20 points per game. Against Arkansas, the UCF transfer became the first Tiger since 1994 to record back-to-back 30-point games. He’s a high-usage player ready to create some trouble for opposing defenses. Murphy and Magwood are also averaging double-digits this season.
Magwood joins Sebastian Williams-Adams as starters and both were freshman signees that ranked inside the top 1oo players in their class. The Tigers also landed the #1 JUCO transfer product, Abdul Bashir, according to Rivals. Hailing from Casper College, the wing became the highest-scoring player in JUCO basketball with 27.2 points. However, he’s been sidelined most of the season and currently listed as “out” on the SEC Availability Report for the tilt against Mizzou. Bashir has been dealing with a lower-back injury since early December.
Pearl has spoken recently that his team has adopted an unselfish offense that has allowed for the explosion on the court. The new identity led to a major win against Arkansas as the Tigers looked complete and elite.
“We’re playing really good basketball right now and it’s all because we’ve been really intentional with what we’ve been doing in practice,” Pearl said.
Fitting Pearl’s words, Auburn has risen to No. 36 in the NCAA current NET rankings. Meanwhile, Mizzou finds itself in the mid-70’s.
Auburn has plenty of fight in the lineup and its been proven so far against all three SEC opponents, but they will walk into Mizzou Arena with an 0-2 record on the road to a Mizzou team that hasn’t dropped a game at home.
3 Keys to the Game
Efficient Offense
Mizzou must capitalize from all areas of the floor on Wednesday night or the chances of victory are slim to none. But don’t fear, our Tigers have a high chance of exploiting the Auburn defense. Through three conference games, Auburn allows an effective field goal percentage above 55 percent, allowing an average of 79.1 points per game.
Meanwhile, Mizzou leads the SEC with an effective field goal percentage of 55.4 percent. It’s a matchup that suits the home team. Our Tigers should push to create the pace early with high-quality looks from the jump to stay even with the loaded Auburn offense.
Plus you can’t teach height. One of its best, and most feared, should be on full display.
Defense is on “Hall” Monitor Duty
Get it? Sorry, I had to.
Keyshawn Hall has been absolute force to be reckoned with for Mizzou. Nicknamed the “Big Guard”, the transfer is on the hunt for his fourth consecutive double-double. He’s been able to pick apart conference opponents and shoot above 50 percent from field goal range. Against Arkansas, he shot nearly 80 percent from both two and three-point range.
For the team, Hall contributes to Auburn’s average of 1.27 points per possession in conference play as well. The forward also stands at 6-foot-7 and isn’t afraid to stick his body out for an offensive rebound and a second chance.
Auburn loves to take a wide range of shots, and plenty of them. Shut down one of its most coveted weapons and you’ve secured a pathway for victory.
FREE Throws
An absolute game killer against Ole Miss and unfortunately it’s nothing new to this Mizzou team. The Tigers love to draw the lane and the subsequent fouls, but they’ve been leaving loads of points on the board from the charity stripe.
The style of offense won’t be changing against Auburn, so the Tigers will end up at the line plenty. Hopefully, it’s been a consistent drill at practice since the loss and they can push the average up while at home. After all, they are free.
Game Prediction
My prediction: Mizzou 73 – Auburn 81
It’s an important game for Mizzou to bolster it’s resume, but I think Auburn offensively overpowers them in the end. However, it will be a fun one for the Mizzou faithful. Bound to be a high-scoring battle, this one could go down to the wire.
I’m not saying a win is out of the question, Dennis Gates and his staff have already proven that they can tackle any beast this season. Therefore, I guarantee the Auburn Tigers don’t threaten the Mizzou starting five, but will they have the depth to accomplish another upset?
