Free throw rate will be a huge factor today. We will get to the line a lot. I hope we don't let them do the same thing, which doesn't look to be a problem. The refs were a lot more relaxed on Saturday than they have been, but we still looked like we were playing smarter. Leading 27-9 at the 10 minute mark may have something to do with that, though, so it may be a very temporary thing. Regardless, Missouri is not great at getting to the free throw line.
They are not a great rebounding team, but definitely not as bad as Texas Tech, so don't look for a 41-18 romp on the glass again. At 6'9" Safford gets 4.2 reb/game., and at 6'8" Bowers and Ratliffe combine for 13.4 reb/game. However, Bowers strength is offensive rebounds. Outside of that, the team is pretty insignificant. We open as the 8th best rebounding team, and they open as 80th.
The thing that scares me is that Missouri is great at causing turnovers. We cause enough of our own without our opponent doing anything. This is what makes me nervous for today. Obviously we can't get to the FTA is a mute point if we can't keep our possessions alive.
With the number of possessions per game by both teams, and the fact that both teams like to play man-to-man, the bench players will be a huge factor. I think this is to our advantage because our starters are more conditioned than their starters, so they'll get more minutes. The only good thing about out bench at this point is 95.
I don't like our chances today because of the turnover thing. I'd say 77-70 Mizzou.
