The Kansas Jayhawks had a stumble last weekend losing at Iowa State. \u00a0 <\/p>\n
Saturday February 4 Kansas<\/strong><\/p>\n They quickly righted themselves against Oklahoma but face a very stiff test this Saturday against Mizzou. \u00a0This is rare territory for Kansas. \u00a0They are usually the hunted but heading into this one they are looking up at the Tigers in the national rankings. \u00a0These 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. \u00a0A loss Saturday night is not a way to start.<\/p>\n When Kansas lost to Iowa State the Cyclones neutralized super forward Thomas Robinson. \u00a0When that happens this team, which is more ordinary than usual, looks especially so. \u00a0With his presence and athleticism he is very tough to handle and it will be interesting to see how Mizzou attacks him. \u00a0Also on the spot will be lead guard Tyshawn Taylor. \u00a0He seems to finally be living up to expectations but will be pressed by wave after wave a great guards by the Tigers. \u00a0Can he keep it up?\u00a0\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Missouri<\/strong><\/p>\n The Missouri Tigers also had a recent stumble losing at Oklahoma State. \u00a0No matter how good the team is they just seem to struggle in Stillwater. \u00a0They also enter this massive matchup off a win as they edged the Longhorns last weekend in a close one. \u00a0The key for the Tigers is tempo. \u00a0They want a lightning pace and when they can\u2019t get it things get a little tougher. \u00a0In their two losses they have averaged just 66 points, well below their seasonal average of 81.<\/p>\n The strengths of these teams are well defined and for Mizzou that is their backcourt and shooting. \u00a0By playing Kim English at the power forward slot they are essentially playing a four guard lineup most of the time. \u00a0They 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. \u00a0At the very least he should be the KU big busy making it easier for the Mizzou guards to do their thing.<\/p>\n
\nMizzou Arena – Columbia, MO
\n9:00PM<\/strong>Moneyline: No money line currently posted
\nSpread: \u00a0Missouri -3
\nO\/U: 147.5<\/p>\n