Keys to the Game: Oklahoma State edition
Missouri and Oklahoma State won't tip off until 8:30 p.m. on Friday night, but it's never too early to strategize, right? Here's a couple of keys to success if Missouri is to hold off Oklahoma State.
-- Keep Byron Eaton out of the lane: In Thursday's quarterfinal, Oklahoma had Eaton (and thus OSU's drive and kick offense) fairly well contained early in the game. But in the second half, Eaton got to the basket and was able to create offense both for himself and his teammates, as well as draw several OU fouls. J.T. Tiller and Zaire Taylor will be charged with the task of keeping Eaton from entering the paint.
-- Close out on Keiton Page: Against Oklahoma, Keiton Page managed only four field goals. All four came from 3-point range. In the same way that teams can't afford not to close out on Matt Lawrence on the perimeter when they're playing Missouri, teams can't afford to leave Page with open looks from deep.
-- Attack the basket: Oklahoma was able to get Oklahoma State's big men in foul trouble with relative ease. Marshall Moses fouled out with 3:44 remaining in the game, and James Anderson and Obi Muonelo each ended the game with four fouls. If DeMarre Carroll is at his best, Missouri needs to feed the ball inside and make OSU coach Travis Ford default to the big men on his bench.
-- Land the first blow: Sounds familiar, right? This is as close to a road game as Missouri is going to play. OSU fans packed the Ford Center for the Cowboys' game against OU on Thursday, and there's no reason to believe the Ford Center won't become Gallagher-Iba South on Friday night. Missouri has to come out hot to take what will be a very hostile crowd out of the game. Overcoming early road deficits hasn't exactly been Missouri's strong suit these season.