LIVE Basketball GameThread: LSU Tigers vs. Missouri

It's that time, time to kick off the SEC Basketball Conference season following Missouri's worst non-conference record since the late 70s. Granted, not all of those seasons since entailed taking on a top 35 Schedule while simultaneously playing underclassmen 73% of the minutes. However, that's the position that we're in, and it's time to start conference play. So we welcome the Louisiana State Tigers!

Who? Louisiana State University University of Missouri What? A Contest of Basketball When? January 8th, 2015 @ 6 pm CST Where? Mizzou Arena Columbia, MO Why? Obligation Due To SEC Conference Bylaws Watch? ESPN2 Rich Hollenberg, Sean Farnham Listen? Tiger Radio Network Mike Kelly, Gary Link

As usual, we like to post the Four Factors. For a quick explanation on what they mean: Click Here!

Mizzou has the advantage in FT rate, a big disadvantage in Offensive Rebounds, and even on eFG% and Ball Handling. to go deeper into some keys to wining you should read the LSU Preview. The section that says READ THIS? You should READ THAT.

Once you've read that, you'll know that Mizzou is going to need a big game from Johnathan Williams III, as he's going head to head against the two headed monster of Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, both of whom could be on NBA rosters next season. If they get a big game from JW3, and some other guys step up (as latest word sounds like Montaque Gill-Caesar is still out with a bad back), they'll have a chance to upset the 2-point Favorite LSU Tigers.

The last time LSU paid a visit to Mizzou arena, Anthony Hickey was lights out from 3, and Charles Carmouche scored 21 points, but it wasn't enough to top Laurence Bowers and Alex Oriakhi as the good guys won 89-76. Ah the good ole days where Mizzou could give up 76 points and still win. Don't expect that sort of high scoring affair tonight, as the bad Tigers aren't very deep, and the good Tigers aren't very good at scoring. Vegas thinks this will be a close game, KenPom has LSU at 68% to win, Chris Abshire of AndTheValleyShook has LSU winning by 5... what do you think?

Dave Matter has a video talking about this game

I like his beard. There's also a regular preview (that's not near as good as ours is). The video pretty much covers it. Also, Dave brings up KenPom and JW3's ability to draw fouls, he's 21st in the country in that category. I'm an avid Ken Pomeroy reader, and can't promote his site enough. He's horribly laid out, and quite ugly, but the info is terrific. And a subscription gives you all access for only $19.95 a year. If you're a basketball nerd like me, it's worth it.

Now let's kick some Tiger tail! And not our own!

#LetsHoop, #Mizzou! Tigers battle at 6 p.m. tonight, see you early at #Mizzou Arena. pic.twitter.com/JRFv6EI4O3

— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) January 8, 2015