After facing two tough losses, the Missouri Tigers are eager to regain momentum this week as they prepare for a home game against Alabama State. The Tigers’ recent performance has raised concerns, especially following road defeats to Notre Dame (76-71) and Kansas (80-60). Despite these setbacks, Missouri has maintained an undefeated home record and is determined to extend that streak against the Hornets.
However, the team will be without key players for this matchup. Graduate senior guard Jayden Stone is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, and junior forward Trent Pierce has yet to see action this season due to a lower-body injury.
Alabama State, which triumphed in the SWAC championship last season and won its opening game in the NCAA Tournament against Saint Francis, enters the game on a three-game losing streak. Their recent losses have come against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, New Mexico, and Tennessee Martin, but they have achieved victories against UAB, IU Indy, and NCCAA school Virginia Lynchburg.
The Tigers are hoping to replicate last year’s success against Alabama State, in which they secured an 82-65 victory. Missouri head coach Dennis Gates is wary of the challenge posed by the Hornets. “Tony Matlock does a great job,” Gates noted, recognizing Matlock’s extensive coaching background and the admirable qualities of his team, including toughness and rebounding.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at 7 p.m. CT at Mizzou Arena, and will be broadcast on SEC Network+. Missouri currently leads the series with Alabama State 2-0.
Key Statistics
- Missouri averages 87.4 points per game while surrendering 70.1 points to opponents.
- Alabama State has a scoring average of 79.4 points per game but allows 81.4 points on average.
- Missouri’s field goal percentage stands at 52.4%, while Alabama State’s is 44.8%.
- From beyond the arc, the Tigers shoot 36.5% compared to Alabama State’s 35.9%.
- Missouri is ranked 272 in the KenPom metrics, while Alabama State holds the 234 spot.
Strategic Focus
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Defensive Discipline: Missouri’s defensive lapses were evident in their recent losses, where both opponents surpassed 75 points. The Tigers need to enhance their perimeter defense against a Hornets team that’s adept at shooting three-pointers.
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Free Throw Efficiency: Although Missouri has been effective at earning free throw opportunities, their conversion rate is only 68.1%. The coaching staff stresses the importance of capitalizing on these chances.
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End-of-Half Management: The Tigers have struggled to maintain leads during critical moments, specifically around the “middle eight” of games. Improving their performance in this segment could be crucial for securing a win.
Prediction
Expect Missouri to channel their frustration from recent losses into a strong performance against Alabama State, potentially winning with a score of 92-66.
