Mizzou basketball vs. Southern Illinois: TV, radio, tipoff and a prediction
THE DETAILS
Tipoff: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Missouri
TV: SEC Network
Radio: KMBZ (98.1 FM)
PROJECTED LINEUPS
P | No. | Southern Illinois | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
F | 40 | Barret Benson | 6-10 | Gr. | 11.3 |
F | 1 | Marcus Domask | 6-6 | Fr. | 14.7 |
G | 3 | Ronnie Suggs | 6-6 | Gr. | 5.8 |
G | 5 | Lance Jones | 6-1 | Fr. | 5.9 |
G | 4 | Eric McGill | 6-2 | Sr. | 9.2 |
P | No. | Missouri | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
F | 23 | Jeremiah Tilmon | 6-10 | Jr. | 10.6 |
F | 24 | Kobe Brown | 6-7 | Fr. | 5.8 |
G | 1 | Xavier Pinson | 6-2 | So. | 8.1 |
G | 12 | Dru Smith | 6-3 | Jr. | 11.1 |
G | 13 | Mark Smith | 6-5 | Jr. | 11.8 |
About Southern Illinois (4-6): The Salukis have been up and down through their opening 10 games. They’re missing star guard Aaron Cook, who was averaging 15 points per game before a broken hand sidelined him. Replacing Cook has been Marcus Domask and Barret Benson, both in double figure scoring. Mizzou also sees an old friend in Ronnie Suggs, who was with the Tigers for two years before joining Southern Illinois as a graduate transfer. KenPom ranks them at No. 215.
About Missouri (5-4): After an upset loss to Charleston Southern, the Tigers bounced back in a huge way, defeating Temple on the road 64-54. It was a much-needed win for Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin’s team after a three-game losing streak. Guards Mark Smith and Dru Smith have been huge for Mizzou, both in double figures and the Tigers’ leading scorers. Sunday’s game is the final tuneup before Mizzou takes on Illinois for Braggin’ Rights on Dec. 21.
Prediction: This should be an easy win for the Tigers. The Salukis aren’t a great team, struggling against inferior opponents. Of course, we know no win is guaranteed at this point after the Charleston Southern game. However, Mizzou has seemingly turned the corner and is hoping to finish the nonconference schedule strong. Look out for a slow start from the Tigers, but otherwise they take this one easily before a week-long break.
Missouri 68, Southern Illinois 45