By: Grant Salsman
Missouri broke a streak this week.
The Tigers found a way to win their first SEC conference game in 669 days when they knocked off LSU 83-67 at home. They responded to that by winning back-to-back games defeating Vanderbilt 75-66. Mizzou improved to 13-3 with the wins.
Here are five takeaways from the Tigers’ 2-0 week:
This team is physically built for the SEC.
Last season it was obvious that Missouri was too small and struggled defensively. It appeared in the non-conference schedule that had changed, but it was yet to be seen in most physical conference in the country. The Tigers’ defense looks changed and offensively they can use their size to get to the rim at a far more efficient rate than last season.
Mark Mitchell can handle the intensity of the SEC.
The LSU game was a bit slow for the Duke transfer scoring 11 points and grabbing three rebounds, but he was critical on the defensive side recording two steals. Mitchell shined against Vandy scoring 19 points and recording seven rebounds. He brings something unique to this team on both sides of the ball. He can shoot enough to where defenses have to respect him from the outside which allows him to exploit his best ability of driving to the rim. On defense, the versatility that Mitchell brings is second to none. He is truly able to guard every position on the court.
Tamar Bates is turning into ol’ reliable.
Bates has always had the ability to take over games and put up lofty scoring numbers but from time to time would have too many off nights. This season he has consistently put up points and affected games in a positive way for Missouri. This week he had 20 points and eight rebounds against LSU and followed that up with 12 points on an efficient 4-for-5 shooting display against the Commodores. Bates has shined in his role and whenever Missouri needs a bucket, the ball is put in his hands.
The Tigers’ defense is impressive.
Missouri held Vanderbilt and LSU to under 70 points, they held LSU to a 42.6% shooting percentage and Vanderbilt shot just 40% from the field. On top of that the Tigers have switched in and out of defense throughout games and are swapping to different sets almost every possession. The ability to mix between man-to-man and zone has kept opposition offenses on their toes.
This week showed that Missouri is very capable of making the NCAA tournament.
The SEC is by far the best conference in basketball and many experts think that Missouri does not even need to be 9-9 in conference play to reach the big dance. If the Tigers can win eight games in conference play it should be enough to get them into the tournament. If Mizzou continues to play how they did this week the Tigers should be dancing in March.
(Photo credit: LG Patterson)
