Columbia — On paper, at least, Missouri could be poised to earn its first win of the season when it travels to Starkville, Miss., to face Mississippi State on Wednesday.

The Bulldogs, 7-15 overall, 2-8 in the Southeastern Conference, are losers of eight straight games and will be down to six scholarship players against the Tigers thanks to the recent suspension of junior guard Jalen Steele.

Despite Missouri’s 0-5 road record, Mississippi State coach Rick Ray said he is concerned about the Tigers’ overall talent, but is particularly worried about junior point guard Phil Pressey.

“Anytime Pressey gets into the paint, now you’re susceptible to offensive rebounds and (Alex) Oriakhi and (Laurence) Bowers crashing down in there,” Ray said of Missouri, which is among the nation’s leaders in rebounding. “I think they’re a really talented ballclub, they pose a lot of problems because they’ve got guys who are versatile and can do a lot of different things. And it all starts right there with Pressey.”