Live Blog: Missouri vs. Prairie View A&M — November 15, 2008
Starting Lineups
5 Johnson
11 Jones
41 Meadows
33 Hugee
44 McDaniel
1 Carroll
5 Lyons
33 Lawrence
11 Taylor
4 Tiller
Mizzou Arena atmosphere
It's a bit of a weird atmosphere at Mizzou Arena today, as all of the members of "Mini Mizzou" (the men's basketball band) are in Ames, Iowa with Marching Mizzou to play in this evening's football game between Missouri and Iowa State.
As a result, the Mizzou Arena loudspeakers have been playing recorded versions of Mini Mizzou staples, including "Every True Son," "Fight Tigers," "The Missouri Waltz" and "Eye of the Tiger." The crowd seems far more reluctant to get involved with the band missing.
Then again, the fans have yet to have too much to get excited about. Prairie View A&M charged out to an early 8-2 lead.
Wake up call
It took them a little while to get warmed up, but Missouri appears to be finding its rhythm as the first half progresses.
With Prairie View A&M leading 8-2 early, Missouri responded by going to the big man - senior forward Leo Lyons - on a baseline drive. Lyons missed the shot but drew a foul, hitting both free throws to cut the lead to four.
After a Missouri stop, junior guard J.T. Tiller took control. Tiller tipped in Missouri's fifth and sixth points, and then proceeded to get a steal and feed DeMarre Carroll for an easy layup to tie the game.
Three ballin'
Early in the game, Missouri was forcing the ball inside, hoping to establish the inside games of DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons. However, during a recent timeout, coach Mike Anderson overhauled his lineup, inserting Miguel Paul, Marcus Denmon, Justin Safford and Keith Ramsey. The only remaining starter on the floor after the substitutions was Matt Lawrence.
The new lineup showcased Missouri's new deep threats. In a two or three minute span, two of Missouri's freshmen tested their range. Miguel Paul hit a deep three from the top of the left side of the arc, and followed it a little later with another three before feeding Marcus Denmon for three of his own.
At a TV timeout, Missouri leads 32-21. Missouri's last 13 points have all been scored by freshmen (Paul with 8, Denmon with 3 and Kim English with 2).
Tigers lead by 12 at the half
The Tigers will take a 46-32 lead into halftime behind the play of Lyons. The senior forward leads the team with 15 points. His production has primarily come from inside the paint, but he's also knocked down a few mid-range jump shots.
Missouri has relied on its solid defense so far to pull away from the Panthers. The Tigers have forced 12 turnovers while only giving up four of their own. Missouri is also looking good on the boards by outrebounding A&M 23-15.
Sloppy offense and a lack of good post play were the Tiger's main flaws in exhibition play, and it looks like Anderson has stressed those aspects in practice. The free throw line has also been a weak spot for Missouri, but today they are an impressive 10 of 11 from the stripe.
Look for more of the freshmen to earn playing time in the second half if the Tigers can continue to open up the lead.
Back and forth
There's been quite a bit of back and forth action to open up the second half, and once again, Mizzou's veterans are at the center of the action.
J.T. Tiller charged up the Mizzou Arena crowd with a one-handed dunk off of steal at the 3-point arc. Later on, DeMarre Carroll finished a tough basket inside on a deft pass from Marcus Denmon, only to have Carroll return the favor one possession later, dropping the ball to Denmon for three on a fast break.
Crowd filtering out
There's over eight minutes left to play, but Missouri fans are already heading for the exits at Mizzou Arena. Missouri leads Prairie View A&M, 74-57.
Throughout the game, the Mizzou Arena PA announcer has been promoting a post-game football watching party for the Missouri/Iowa State game on the Mizzou Arena scoreboard. Apparently, the fans had plans of their own.
Missouri/Iowa State is set to kick off in approximately 18 minutes, a little too close for comfort for Missouri fans pulling double duty between football and basketball today.
Missouri wins, 86-65
No more exhibition wins for records that don't count. With a 86-65 win over Prairie View A&M, the Missouri men's basketball team is officially 1-0.
That's it for the live blog, as I'm headed downstairs for interviews. As always, keep an eye on TheManeater.com for all your Missouri basketball coverage.
Photo Blog: Missouri v. Prairie View A&M
Sophomore forward Justin Safford fights to get a shot off through the Prairie View A&M defense during Saturday's game at Mizzou Arena. MU won its season opener, 86-65.
Senior forward DeMarre Carroll tosses up a shot from the baseline. Carroll scored 19 points in the Tigers' win over the Panthers.
Senior forward Leo Lyons slams down a dunk against Prairie View A&M. Lyons led the Tigers with 21 points.
Junior Zaire Taylor drives to the basket Saturday night at Mizzou Arena. Taylor had a quiet debut in his first game as a Tiger, grabbing two rebounds with three assists.
Senior forward DeMarre Carroll drives down the court Saturday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. 5,234 fans attended the season-opener.