Missouri will look to get back on track as it heads to the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands to take on Kennesaw State on Friday afternoon.
The Tigers are coming off a 76-59 loss at Iowa State in a game that saw Cuonzo Martin’s team commit 25 turnovers.
As for Kennesaw State, it sits at 1-2 with recent road losses to Kansas State and Samford.
Let’s run through what to watch for in this game.
Game Details
- Missouri (1-1) vs. Kennesaw State (1-2)
- Location: Virgin Islands Sport and Fitness Center – St. Thomas, VI
- Game Date: Nov. 16
- Game Time: 4 p.m. EST
- Watch: FloHoops
Players to Watch
Mark Smith (Missouri)
We knew Smith was going to make an impact when he was recently granted a waiver to play this season by the NCAA, and he’s off to a fast start in his first two games.
The 6-4 sophomore had 19 points in the win over Central Arkansas and followed it up with 15 points in the loss at Iowa State, and he’s also racked up 17 total rebounds thus far.
After Jontay Porter was lost for the season due to injury, it was clear that Martin and his staff would need someone to step up to try and replace that production.
Smith has been the main catalyst in that effort so far.
Kevin Puryear (Missouri)
The 6-7 senior has yet to find a rhythm offensively, and this could be a great opportunity for him to get going.
Puryear is averaging 6.0 points and 7.5 rebounds through the first two contests, but he’s managed to shoot just 33.3 percent from the field.
If Missouri wants to make a run at this event, it’ll need Puryear to provide a spark on the offensive side of the court.
Tyler Hooker (Kennesaw State)
Hooker has been one of the few consistent offensive options for Al Skinner’s squad through the first week of the season.
The 6-0 junior is putting up 15.7 points and playing 36.7 minutes per game, which both lead the team right now.
Kennesaw State has to be more efficient on offense, and Hooker’s scoring prowess could help lead the charge there.
Key Stats
This may not be the prettiest of games in terms of ball handling, as both teams are turning the ball over at a high rate early on.
Missouri is 320th nationally in turnover percentage at 25.6 percent while Kennesaw State is 290th at 23.2 percent.
In terms of pace of play, both teams want to make this a methodical type of game.
The Owls are averaged 20.2 seconds per offensive possession, and Martin’s team is at 18.7 seconds.
Game Outlook
- Spread: Missouri -18
- Over/Under: 132.5
- KenPom Projection: Missouri, 93 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Missouri 92.8 percent chance to win
Missouri is the better team here, even if it has been a struggle through the first couple of games.
Kennesaw State just hasn’t been efficient on offense (334th in adjusted offensive efficiency, and that’s a problem against a hard-nosed defensive team like the Tigers.
Smith should lead the way once again in leading Missouri to the win.
Season Prediction Record (straight up): 28-5
Game Prediction: Missouri 72, Kennesaw State 55
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