Missouri

Basketball Preview: Tigers and Pirates square off at the T-Mobile Center

Published

11 months ago

December 17, 2023

Basketball Preview: Tigers and Pirates square off at the T-Mobile Center

Tonight’s Preview

Missouri is set for a showcase game in Kansas City, with the Tigers returning to the T-Mobile Center for the first regular season matchup since a 2014 clash with Oklahoma State—back when it was still called the Sprint Center. Before heading to the opposite side of the state for another non-conference clash, the Tigers will look to put on a show in front of its KC fan base in a effort to promote more state-wide exposure for the program.

Following an impressive showing against Pittsburgh, Missouri returned to Columbia to begin a two-game stand against that state to the West.

In the home bout, the Tigers never trailed in an 82-72 win over Wichita State. At The Phog, Mizzou silenced the home crowd by taking an early 20-12 lead but ran out of gas in the second half en route to a 73-64 loss.

The Pirates began this season 4-0 against a light slate of competition before it headed to San Diego to compete in the Rady Children’s Invitational. Seton Hall fell to both USC and Iowa there, and it followed that up with a 78-60 road loss to a great Baylor team two games later. A seven point loss to Rutgers last Saturday means that this is the Pirates’ last chance to secure a notable win during non-conference play.

This is yet another game that could shine as a bright spot on either team’s NCAA Tournament résumé, and with it being played in a venue that generally hosts high-caliber basketball and will incite many local Mizzou fans to attend, this one will have the feel of a postseason tourney game.

Game Info

Time: 4:00 CST

Date: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023

Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Mo.

TV: ESPN2

The Starters

Mizzou

PG: Nick Honor (Grad, 12.3 PPG)
SG: Sean East II (Grad, 17.2 PPG)
SF: Tamar Bates (JR, 7.1 PPG)
PF: Aidan Shaw (SOPH, 3.2 PPG)
C: Noah Carter (Grad, 12.0 PPG)

Notable Sixth Man: Connor Vanover (Grad, 4.7 PPG)

Seton Hall

PG: Al-Amir Dawes (SR, 11.8 PPG)
SG: Dylan Addae-Wusu (SR, 6.9 PPG)
SF: Dre Davis (SR, 12.0 PPG)
PF: Kadary Richmond (SR, 14.8 PPG)
C: Jaden Bediako (SR, 10.1 PPG)

Notable Sixth Man: Isaiah Coleman (FR, G, 7.3 PPG)

*These are projected starters. Also, in today’s college basketball, positions rarely mean much. Those are included purely for perspective on what matchups on the court may look like.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Get To Know Seton Hall

Shaheen Holloway is a well-known name around college basketball for a variety of reasons.

One could look at this time as a player with the Pirates, where he was a standout over four years at Seton Hall. He scored 1,588 points, recorded 681 assists (program record), 231 steals and hit a game-winning layup over Oregon in the First Round of the 2000 NCAA Tournament. Holloway was also the Big East’s Most Improved Player in 2000 and went on to play in multiple countries overseas.

You could also look at his time under Kevin Willard at both Iona and Seton Hall. Holloway helped build both of those programs up under Willard, joining him at Iona from 2007-10 and working under him at Seton Hall from 2010-18. The highlight of that tenure was likely the 2016 season in which a Pirates team that was largely recruited by Holloway won the Big East Tournament title.

And, of course, many people learned of Holloway’s name during his tenure at Saint Peter’s, specifically over a month-long span in March of 2022. He led a normally-dormant Peacocks program to three consecutive top three finishes in the MAAC, and it all came to a peak in his final season. Holloway’s Saint Peter’s squad won the MAAC Tournament as a No. 2 seed then miraculously took down No. 2 Kentucky in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Peacocks were not done there, as they took down No. 7 Murray State and No. 3 Purdue en route to the first ever Elite Eight appearance from a No. 15 seed.

Holloway’s efforts did not go unnoticed, and he was quickly scooped up by his alma mater to become the new head coach once Willard departed for Maryland. He recorded the most overall wins, league wins and road wins of any first-year coach at The Hall, and his 2022-23 team ranked second in the Big East in scoring defense. This all came after the team began the season 4-4.

This incident with Wagner head coach Donald Copeland did recently make headlines, although Holloway later apologized and said that he and Copeland are close:

Seton Hall cruised through a light beginning to the schedule and started out 4-0, but its real season began in San Diego. The Pirates went winless there, losing to both USC and Iowa by 8+ points. The road loss to Baylor is nothing to shake your head about, but falling to Rutgers last week means that The Hall will be desperate for quality wins from here-on-out.

The Pirates are fairly well-balanced, as they rank top 100 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. In terms of strengths, Seton Hall reels in 36.6% of its misses (25th in the nation) and shoots at a 52.9% clip from inside the arc. Its perimeter shooting could use some work, but this team shoots the ball at a high level from the stripe as well (75.5%, good for 60th in the nation).

Definitely, the Pirates force turnovers on 19.7% of team’s possessions and average 8.3 steals per game.

Senior guard Kadary Richmond runs the show for The Hall. The Brooklyn-native leads the team in points (14.8 per game) and assists (4.4 per game), and he does all of that while shooting 48% from the floor. He’s a crafty, tough guard that knows how to get himself a shot he likes, although he doesn’t shoot it well from deep (2-for-15 on the year). Richmond’s career began at Syracuse in 2020-21, but he transferred to Seton Hall the next year.

6-foot-10 senior Jaden Bediako out of Ontario is the bruiser on the boards, grabbing 7.9 per game. After spending four years at Santa Clara, Bediako has found a home in Jersey and is playing the best ball of his career.

Completing a trio of senior leaders that started at other programs is Dre Davis, who complements Richmond with 12.0 PPG and 5.6 RPG as 6-foot-6 guard. Davis began his career with Louisville from 2020-22.

Freshman guard Isaiah Coleman is another player to watch in this one. The freshman out of Fredericksburg, Va. has provided some instant offense off the bench and flashed with 17 points in the team’s win over Monmouth on Tuesday.

3 Keys To The Game

Speed the Pirates Up

Seton Hall has not excelled on the offensive end thus far, and although they have the talent to keep pace with Mizzou, the Pirates would not be comfortable playing against a hot Tiger team. They just simply don’t have the shooting ability to win a game in that way.

Creating extra possessions, for instance, could go a long way in helping Mizzou get into an offensive rhythm:

“We got to be better in transition,” Gates said following the Loyola (MD) game. “That means turning turnovers into layups or fouls, I just don’t think we’re doing that enough.”

Well, the Tigers heeded those words, recording 13 steals that turned into 20 points against Wichita State. They then forced 16 turnovers against Kansas…but that only translated to nine points. The Anthony Robinson II breakaway attempt that was blocked by KJ Adams Jr. comes to mind when hearing that stat, but there were plenty of other missed opportunities.

Thus, while I consistently beat this dead horse, playing the Dennis Gates way is even more important in this game. A low-scoring, physical affair in the 60s would favor Seton Hall’s defensive style. A free-flowing game in the 70s or 80s would be advantage Mizzou. Whoever can set the tempo in first five minutes of the game will likely determine which team’s style wins out.

2. Veteran guards show out

“The second half of the Memphis game I challenged him and he disappeared. The next game after that he disappeared and I told him that we cannot win ball games with you silent and not being aggressive.”

That was Gates talking about Sean East II, who has since become the go-to guy when this Tiger team needs someone to create scoring opportunities. In a neutral site environment against a physical, tough Seton Hall team, the likes of East and Honor will have to manage the game and keep their team calm and collected when the environment and pace of play become frantic.

At least one of the two of them will need to go for 15+ for Mizzou to have a shot in this game. Honor and East (throughout this season) will need to be consistently stabilizing presences.

3. Hold serve on the glass

Rebounding is one of Seton Hall’s strengths, and it is what Holloway and Co. hang their hat on.

Against Wichita State, Mizzou was out-rebounded by 16 and allowed 14 second-chance points. Against KU, the Tigers were out-rebounded by 17, leading to 17 second-chance points that played a big factor in the final outcome.

At the end of the day, this is another Tiger team that will struggle on the boards. Luckily, they have strengths in other categories that can offset those deficiencies.

So while Mizzou may lose the rebounding battle in this one, if it can do some damage control in not allowing too many second-chance buckets, then that should allow the Tigers to remain in control. If the Pirates are able to convert their own misses into points consistently, then this will turn into their style of game.

Game Prediction

KenPom Prediction: Missouri 70 | Seton Hall 68

My Prediction: Missouri 71 | Seton Hall 65

The 82-72 win over Wichita State was highly encouraging and an overall example of what this Missouri team looks like when it (mostly) has control of a game and is playing its style of basketball. The Kansas game was perhaps even more encouraging, although it proved that there are still some key areas that this team needs to make strides in before SEC play begins.

This will be a hard-fought, high-level basketball game. With it being at a neutral sight, many people will get an NCAA Tournament-like feel from this game. Both of these teams are battle-tested, meaning that neither should be fazed by the intensity or physicality of this one.

“We did a tremendous job in being physical, getting to the foul line and executing from the stripe,” Gates said following the Wichita State win. “That’s where the game is won.”

Against Kansas, one could argue that the Tigers lost the battle of physicality, being out-shot 23-to-13 from the line. Against a Seton Hall team that relies on its toughness, free throws will likely play a large factor again.

With that being said, I just think that this Missouri team has a higher offensive upside than the Pirates. Even if this game becomes a rock fight, the Tigers should have enough firepower to pull away in the end.

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Missouri

Vote: Who should be Missouri high school Athlete of the Week? (11/25/2024)

Published

6 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Vote: Who should be Missouri high school Athlete of the Week? (11/25/2024)

Which Missouri high school athlete had the best week?

Each week, SBLive scours the state for the top fall and winter sports performers, from football to basketball from all contests in the week of Nov. 17-23. That included the state championships in boys soccer this past weekend.

Congrats to SLUH‘s Connor Dunker, who ran away as the leading vote-getter with 56% of the votes to win SBLive‘s Missouri Athlete of the Week for Nov. 11-16.

The junior won the 200-yard freestyle and was on the winning 400-yard freestyle relay. He also two medals for the Jr. Bills by taking third in the 500-yard freestyle and on the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Scroll down, read up on the nominees and cast your vote for your winner. Voting closes Sunday, Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

If you would like to make a nomination in a future weeks, email swanson@scorebooklive.com.

MISSOURI ATHLETE OF THE WEEK NOMINEES

Henry Acorn, Rockhurst cross country

Competing in the Nike Cross Midwest Regional Championship on Sunday, the Virginia signee took sixth place. The Hawklets took second overall and advanced to the Nike National Championship.

Addilyn Amos, Troy Buchanan girls wrestling

Competing in her first Schuman Scramble, the team’s home meet, the freshman went 5-0 with five pins — three in the first period.

Terance Bills, Lafayette Wildwood football

The junior wide receiver caught a pair of touchdowns — 25 and 27 yards — in a 30-18 win over Cardinal Ritter in the Class 5 playoffs on Saturday.

Anna Bowles, Francis Howell girls wrestling

The junior posted a 5-0 mark to take first place for the Vikings at the St. Clair Scramble. She won the 125-pound title with five tech falls. Francis Howell won the team title as well.

Nic Calvaruso, Jefferson City Helias Catholic football

The junior booted a 36-yard field goal in OT to help the Crusaders claim a 24-21 win over Republic on Saturday, avenging a loss in the playoffs last year to the Tigers.

Jack Cooley, Hamilton Penney football

The running back scored twice and added an interception that led to a touchdown in the Hornets’ 35-13 win over North Platte in a district title game on Friday.

Zyree Collins, St. Mary’s South Side boys basketball

The Dragons scoring standout picked up where he left off last year. He scored 27 points, hitting 10 of 11 2-point shots, in an 86-34 St. Pius X Festus on Nov. 22.

Jackson Crews, St. Joseph Bishop LeBlond football

In what was a crazy finish to an 8-man game, LeBlond intercepted a hail mary at the buzzer and ran it back and then the senior got a lateral pitch and scored to give the Eagles a 60-54 win over Rock Port on Friday.

Jacob Eberhart, Kirkwood football

The wide receiver had seven catches for 158 yards and a touchdown and also had his first rushing touchdown of the season as the Pioneers beat Jackson on Friday.

Will Geary, Valley Park boys soccer

One of the best soccer players ever in MSHSAA capped off his career by leading the Hawks to the Class 1 title. He tied the state tournament record with 5 goals in a semifinal win and then added 2 goals and an assist in the title win. He broke the MSHSAA championship site record for most goals (7) and most points (15 points).

Josie Hosea, Kirkwood girls wrestling

At the Lady E. Ford Memorial Tournament in Affton, Hosea took first place in the 190-pound bracket. She won four of the five by pins in the first period.

Loganne Love, Principia girls basketball

The freshman had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday in a 79-42 win over St. Pius X (Festus) in Farmington.

Colton Miller, Adrian football

In the Class 1 District 3 championship game, he threw a touchdown, ran for a touchdown and kicked the game-winning field goal for the Blackhawks in a 17-16 win over Marionville.

Roman Miller, Seneca football

In a 55-26 win over Mount Vernon in the Class 3 quarterfinals, Miller accounted for three touchdowns on the ground for the Indians.

Jonathan Moore, Lutheran North football

The sophomore became the Crusaders’ single-season record holder for touchdowns in a season with 35, which happened during a playoff game on Saturday.

Sheek Pearson, John Burroughs boys basketball

The 6-foot-10 junior dropped in 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 72-57 win over Ladue Horton Watkins on Nov. 22.

Henry Sanders, SLUH boys soccer

The junior midfielder had the lone goal in 1-0 win against Liberty North in a Class 4 semifinal game on Friday. SLUH then beat De Smet on Saturday to win the state title.

Alyzah Scaggs, Festus girls basketball

The Lady Tigers got 25 points from the junior in a 64-49 win over West County (Leadwood) in the Farmington Tournament on Saturday. Scaggs drained six 3-pointers on the night.

Dane Schlotzhauer, Tipton football

The junior connected with Paxton Pyle for the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute left to give the Cardinals a 42-36 win over Harrisburg to claim Class 1 District 2 finals. It was the first district crown for Tipton since 2012.

Sadie Sehnert, Wright City girls wrestling

The junior didn’t have to wrestle for more than 1:05 in her five matches on Saturday at the Wright City Invitational. She had two pins in 30 seconds or less to win the 135-pound bracket.

Jordan Speiser, Lutheran St. Charles girls basketball

The Lady Cougars picked up a 61-57 win over Alton, Ill., on Saturday behind Speiser’s 29-point effort. The Kansas State signee went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line and hit 5 3-pointers.

Carter Temple, Kearney football

The Bulldogs starting quarterback ran for four touchdowns as the Bulldogs won their 24th straight in a 49-14 triumph over Warrensburg on Friday.

Seaton Thompson, Ladue Horton Watkins boys soccer

He stopped every shot in the state semifinals and finals and helped the Rams win the Class 3 title. He had shutouts in both wins.

Wyatt Vincent, Nixa football

He caught the game-winning touchdown with 10.4 left in the fourth to help the Eagles rally for a 21-20 win over Lee’s Summit North in a Class 6A playoff game.

Niko Vuong, Clayton boys soccer

The junior scored a goal in a 4-0 win over Logan-Rogersville in the semifinals and added a goal in a 3-0 win over St. Michael the Archangel in the Class 2 finals on Nov. 21. The state title was the first for the Greyhounds.

Editor’s Note: Our Athlete of the Week feature and corresponding poll are intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. However, we do not allow votes that are generated by script, macro or other automated means. Athletes who receive votes generated by script, macro or other automated means will be disqualified

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Missouri

Live Updates: Missouri Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff

Published

14 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Live Updates: Missouri Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff

Missouri men’s basketball just keeps rolling.

The Tigers strung together their fifth straight win, this time defeating Arkansas Pine Bluff in a 112-64 blowout at home Sunday afternoon. The second half struggles that have typically come to bite them didn’t appear, instead pushing the same offensive pace until the very end of the contest.

Junior Mark Mitchell was the star of the show for Missouri. The forward scored a season-high 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, paired with five rebounds and a block. Although not a threat on the perimeter, his offensive prowess inside the paint gives the Tigers a consistent option.

Graduate senior Caleb Grill continued his dominance from behind the arc, dropping 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field and 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. Senior Tamar Bates also added 13 points of his own on 5-of-8 shooting from the field.

Perhaps the most impressive performance of the night, however, came from sophomore Anthony Robinson II. The guard was everywhere on both sides of the ball, recording a double-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and a block on 3-of-7 shooting from the field.

It was the first double-double of Robinson’s young career at Missouri.

The Tigers did struggle to shoot the 3-pointer compared to previous games, finishing with just a 9-of-32 clip. That was negated by their 54 points in the paint, as well as their ability to prevent the Golden Lions from having success in their own right.

Arkansas Pine Bluff shot 9-of-28 from three — a more efficient night of shooting, but on less attempts compared to Missouri. It also turned the ball over 19 times, allowing the Tigers 33 easy points off them.

Missouri also had an uncharacteristically good game under the basket, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds that resulted in 24 second-chance points. Five of those rebounds came from Robinson.

Before Thanksgiving arrives, the Tigers will go up against Lindenwood at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Mizzou Arena.

Arkansas Pine Bluff
Christian Moore	Anthony Robinson II
Zach Reinhart Advertisement	Tamar Bates
Caleb Jones	Annor Boateng
Klemen Vuga	Mark Mitchell Advertisement
Quentin Bolton Jr.	Josh Gray

Who: Missouri Tigers (4-1, 0-0 SEC) vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lions (1-5, 0-0 SWA)

What: Missouri’s sixth game of the 2024-’25 season

Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

When: Sunday, November 24, 4:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN+, SECN+

Radio: Tiger Radio Network

Series: Missouri leads 3-0

Last Meeting: Nov. 6, 2023: Missouri opened the season with a 101-79 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Five different players scored over 15 points for Missouri, including Sean East II, Nick Honor, Noah Carter, Caleb Grill and Tamar Bates.

Last Time Out, Missouri: The Tigers handled business in a 91-56 win over Pacific. Guard Caleb Grill continued a hot streak, leading the team with 25 points, including 21 from three-point makes. Grill also notched a career-high with five steals.

Last Time Out, Arkansas Pine-Bluff:The Golden Lions fell on the road to Texas Tech, losing 98-64. Arkansas Pine-Bluff shot 52.1% from the field while Texas Tech shot 59.7%. The Golden Lions were led by guard Christian Moore with 20 points.

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