#8 Kansas Jayhawks (18-4) vs #4 Missouri Tigers (20-2)
The Kansas Jayhawks had a stumble last weekend losing at Iowa State.
Saturday February 4
Mizzou Arena – Columbia, MO
9:00PMMoneyline: No money line currently posted
Spread: Missouri -3
O/U: 147.5
Kansas
They quickly righted themselves against Oklahoma but face a very stiff test this Saturday against Mizzou. This is rare territory for Kansas. They are usually the hunted but heading into this one they are looking up at the Tigers in the national rankings. These teams are going to play twice this month and this is the first of a difficult swing for the Jayhawks schedule as their next game after this one is a visit to Baylor. A loss Saturday night is not a way to start.
When Kansas lost to Iowa State the Cyclones neutralized super forward Thomas Robinson. When that happens this team, which is more ordinary than usual, looks especially so. With his presence and athleticism he is very tough to handle and it will be interesting to see how Mizzou attacks him. Also on the spot will be lead guard Tyshawn Taylor. He seems to finally be living up to expectations but will be pressed by wave after wave a great guards by the Tigers. Can he keep it up? [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Missouri
The Missouri Tigers also had a recent stumble losing at Oklahoma State. No matter how good the team is they just seem to struggle in Stillwater. They also enter this massive matchup off a win as they edged the Longhorns last weekend in a close one. The key for the Tigers is tempo. They want a lightning pace and when they can’t get it things get a little tougher. In their two losses they have averaged just 66 points, well below their seasonal average of 81.
The strengths of these teams are well defined and for Mizzou that is their backcourt and shooting. By playing Kim English at the power forward slot they are essentially playing a four guard lineup most of the time. They are lethal shooting the ball (almost 50% as a team) closing out ball games with great handle and foul shooting (77%). The lone big who plays regularly is Ricardo Ratliffe, who might not be able force Robinson into a horrible game defensively but is shooting a starting 75% from the field this year. At the very least he should be the KU big busy making it easier for the Mizzou guards to do their thing.
Spread Pick: Mizzou -3
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Missouri 85 – Kansas 80
