Written by Matt | 14 July 2009

In a game which both teams needed to win in order to keep their NCAA hopes alive, Mississippi St. proved to be the better team on Sunday. After leading for the first ten minutes, Mizzou played a game of catch-up the rest of the way. While capable of tying the bulldogs, Mizzou never could take control and fell to 9-5 on the year.

It's time for the good and the bad, and the bad kicks the good's ass right now...
GOOD:
1) Matt Lawrence was absolutely on fire yesterday afternoon. Aside from several ill-advised shots, and desperation threes, if he touched the ball, it was in. He ended with a career high 28 points, shooting 10-15 from the field. We can't expect him to pour in 28 a game come conference play, but those kind of performances will draw attention to him from opposing defenses and should create lanes elsewhere on the floor.

2) This team has shown that they will not quit. Every time they have fallen behind by double digits this season near the middle of the game, the Tigers have gutted it out and made every game close. Close, doesn't count though as Mizzou is yet to win a game decided by 5 or less points this year.

BAD:
1) I have never seen such a lack of basketball IQ from a team. Down 6 with two minutes left, Mizzou still had an opportunity to get back in the game. The tigers had a solid defensive possession, only to foul on a three-point shot, with no time left on the shot clock. Then on the next possession, repeated this action. If MSU could have knocked those two threes down and buried us that way, so be it---they earned it---but putting them on the line for 6 free throws late in the game was embarassing and stupid.

2) Hannah and Carroll will foul out every game if they continue to foul at half-court. What the hell is Carroll even doing pressuring opposing guards? For me, that contributes to getting dominated on the glass like we did yesterday.

3) Illinois lost to Tennessee St. at home yesterday...are we the only team that can't beat them? Maybe we should've played the Illini at their place?

4) Shot selection --- one of the most fundamental things in basketball is knowing what a good shot is. Relating to the lack of basketball IQ on this team again, Mizzou's shot selection is alarmingly pathetic...and everyone on the team was guilty of it at some point yesterday. When an off balance, turnaround, fadaway that not even MJ or LeBron could hit is thrown up by a tiger, CMA needs to find them a seat next to him.


With the disappointing nonconference portion of the season basically over (UMKC remains), Mizzou has a LOT of work to do if they plan on making any noise in the Big 12. The close losses are the only thing that give me hope that this team can finish above 500 in league play. The tigers will have to learn from the close losses, and turn them into close wins, something we haven't learned yet. Good luck to the football team in the Cotton Bowl! Have a safe and happy New Years! Go Tigers!

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