Missouri getting ready to tip off against Clemson
No. 10 Missouri and No. 7 Clemson are preparing to tipoff in first round action of the NCAA Tournament here at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.
The two Tigers will be fighting for a chance to take on West Virginia on Sunday, after the Mountaineers disposed of Morgan State earlier this afternoon.
The starters for today are:
MU
Senior guard J.T. Tiller
Senior guard Zaire Taylor
Senior forward Keith Ramsey
Sophomore forward Laurence Bowers
Sophomore guard Kim English
CU
Junior guard Demontez Scott
Sophomore guard Tanner Smith
Senior forward David Potter
Senior forward Trevor Booker
Junior center Jerai Grant
For Missouri, the main issue to take care of today is its recent poor shooting. With field goal percentages stuck in the low-to-mid 30s lately, the Tigers must able to start their offense early in this game. When MU started cold against Nebraska in last week's Big 12 Tournament, the Cornhuskers pulled away to an insurmountable lead. Simply put, if Missouri lets that happen again it is in trouble.
Today's game should be a lively matchup between two up-tempo teams. Both Clemson and Missouri put on the pressure defensively and thrive on fastbreaks. MU has rarely laced up against a team that mirrors it so closely, so it will be interesting to see how the Tigers handle the challenge.
Clemson features all-ACC selection Booker, an inside presence MU must try to contain. Booker will challenge a Tiger frontcourt already missing junior forward Justin Safford to injury and featuring sophomore forward Laurence Bowers who has two torn ligaments in his left wrist. Bowers has vowed to play through the pain, but one has to wonder if he will be any less effective because of it.
Clemson coach Oliver Purnell has never won an NCAA Tournament game (0-5), so Missouri will look to keep that dubious streak going.
Keep it here for updates throughout the game and follow @Maneatersports on Twitter for updates, as well.