Mizzou basketball, Alabama play with polar opposite styles in scoring, defending
The Missouri Tigers are built off their defense. They don’t score often, but look to edge opponents physically under coach Cuonzo Martin’s principles.
As the Tigers (9-7, 1-3 SEC) battle the Alabama Crimson Tide at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Tuscaloosa, they face a team whose style is a polar opposite. Alabama coach Nate Oats wants his players to push the pace and score points in bunches … all while allowing a lot of points themselves.
The Crimson Tide (9-7, 2-2) score 83.2 points per game, fourth in the nation. The guard play has stood out with Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty Jr. leading the team in scoring. The duo was largely responsible for Alabama thriving in recent games, including an upset over rival No. 4 Auburn on Wednesday.
“We want to be able to push the ball, score the ball, play in space, attacking the rim, putting pressure on the defense,” Martin said. “You want to stop them early. You want to make those guys score in the half court.”
Martin said Lewis’ influence is crucial for Alabama. The Crimson Tide average 10.4 three-pointers per game, eighth in the nation. The offense relies on earning quick shots, which often starts with Lewis.
While Lewis is a 6-foot-3 guard, he averages 5.7 rebounds per game. It allows the sophomore to rush in transition.
“He’s shifty with the ball and he makes quick moves,” Martin said of Lewis. “He’s always attacking, north and south. He’s always headed to the rim. He’s a guy that can make three-point shots. But his game doesn’t rely on the three-ball.”
For Mizzou, Martin said they want to force the Crimson Tide to execute out of half-court sets.
That trickles down to Mizzou’s offense, mired in inconsistency after a blowout road loss to Mississippi State.
If the Tigers are burying shots, it’ll mean Alabama needs to inbound the ball, naturally slowing them down. But if Mizzou’s three-pointers aren’t falling, the long rebounds give the Crimson Tide exactly what they’re looking for: a chance to run.
Alabama’s defense allows 77.8 points per game, which ranks 328th in the nation, a byproduct of their style. While they have more chances to score, so does their opponent. Alabama is third nationally at 81.1 possessions per game, while Mizzou’s 317th with 68.4 possessions a game.
“If you allow them to play in comfort to play in transition where they catch and shoot open threes, then it’s a long night for you,” Martin said. “Especially if the shots are falling.”
Down time
With inclement weather affecting Kansas City, Columbia and other areas of Missouri, the team got a head start to its road trip. Originally scheduled to leave on Friday, the Tigers instead flew out on Thursday.
The change gives the Tigers more time to watch film, practice and get a little more “team time.”
“Same routine,” Martin said. “More than anything, we’ll probably try to catch a movie … if we all decide what we like and if time permits.”
Tilmon status
Martin said there’s still no exact timetable for forward Jeremiah Tilmon’s return to the court. Tilmon’s missed the last three games because of a stress fracture in his left foot. He was dealing with a right foot injury, but an MRI later revealed the injury in his other foot.
While Mizzou misses Tilmon’s production, Martin said he tries to stay on the outside of the process, allowing trainers and doctors to do their jobs. But Tilmon isn’t available for the foreseeable future.
“He won’t be back next week,” Martin said. “I can assure you that.”