Pregame thoughts from Glendale
Boise was nice, but it certainly can't compare to the cloudless blue skies of Glendale, Ariz. But the time to relax by the pool has come and gone -- it's time for business. The Missouri Tigers' unbelievable run has hit its most challenging road block. Coach Mike Anderson and his crew will meet the No. 2 seeded Tigers of Memphis at approximately 8:37 p.m. tonight in the Sweet 16.
Missouri hasn't lost since its regular season finale at Texas A&M. The Tigers tore through unexpected opponents in the Big 12 Championship. Missouri faced Texas Tech, Oklahoma St. and Baylor. Somehow they were able to avoid the top two seeds in the conference tourney: Kansas and Oklahoma. Both Big 12 rivals remain in the NCAA Tournament like Missouri.
In the big dance, Missouri took down Cornell easily in the first round and then just barely held on against a battle-tested Marquette team. Although, none of those opponents compare to the talent that Memphis brings to the table.
Coach John Calipari's men are long, athletic and talented. It's odd how similar the two teams look. Both rosters are deep and filled with players ready to run. The only clear advantage either way goes to Memphis' size.
That brings us to Missouri's first concern for Thursday: rebounding. There is no chance that senior forwards Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carroll outrebound the Memphis big men, but they have to keep it close. Missouri has averaged a slim .1 less rebounds per game than its opponent while Memphis outrebounds its opponent by over six per game on average.
Missouri has to make sure that second-chance points aren't coming easy for Memphis. If Robert Dozier and Shawn Taggart are dominating the glass and getting easy put backs, it's going to be a long night for Missouri.
Last time out, Missouri played an impressive first half against Marquette, but the Tigers came out in the second half without their usual energy and swagger. Lyons looked lost down low, and Anderson gave him an earful for his lack of effort rebounding. He must come ready to play physically on the boards for all of tonight's game.
The second key for Missouri is of course, turnovers. This is where Memphis is most vulnerable. Freshman guard Tyreke Evans runs the offense, and he has given the ball away on several occasions -- 128 times to be exact. He's going to have one of the best in-your-face defenders all over him in junior guard J.T. Tiller. Tiller has made experienced stars like Sherron Collins play sloppy, so he should be ready to harass the freshman.
Missouri has to getl Memphis into a few 5-10 minute stretches of confusion. Memphis will most likely control the game with its highy successful drive and dish style offense, but if Missouri can score points in bunches it will have a chance. Turnovers will not only lead to points for Missouri, it will lead to confidence. If freshman guard Kim English has anywhere near the confidence he had shooting the ball against Marquette, watch out as he can take over.
This is the part where I usually say how Missouri must come out and throw the first punch. I explain how that if Missouri keeps it close in the first half, it will be able to run away in the second. That's over. When there are only 16 teams left playing in the nation, you've got to come out and execute to near perfection for a full 40 minutes. There is no room for error tonight. If Missouri lets things slip for just a few minutes that could be too many.
The energy has to be there all night. Carroll should be keeping Missouri intense with his leadership and making the big plays under the hoop. All year we've seen that he can get to the basket and finish. There is no reason that he's noting putting the ball on the floor consistently. He's a tough matchup even for Memphis' athletes. Anderson should rely on his senior leader to pull the upset today.
Stay with TheManeater.com for more coverage of Missouri's run through the NCAA Tournament.