Game Thread: Missouri to face No. 25 LSU without Mark Smith

After an encouraging win at Texas A&M, Missouri fell into old habits by committing 24 turnovers in a 72-60 road loss against Arkansas. The schedule only gets tougher from here for the Tigers, who now sit 11th in the SEC with a 1-4 record in conference play. Three of their next four opponents are ranked, starting with Saturday’s contest against the No. 25 LSU Tigers, who rank 13th in NET. It’s hard to expect this rebuilding Mizzou squad to beat a ranked opponent, especially one so adept at turning opponents over, but a victory could help prevent the young group’s skid from snowballing. MU’s task will be even more difficult without second-leading scorer Mark Smith, who is out with an ankle injury. Road contests against No. 16 Auburn and No. 1 Tennessee loom.

The Details

Opponent: No. 25 LSU Tigers (15-3, 5-0 SEC)

Time: 5:00 p.m. CT

Where: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Missouri

Is Mizzou Receiving Top 25 Votes? Nope.

What Does Vegas Say? LSU, -5.5

What Does KenPom Say? LSU 72, Missouri 69

Where To Watch: SEC Network | WatchESPN

Radio: Tiger Radio Network // Sirius/XM Channel 98

Twitter: @MizzouHoops

Facebook: Mizzou Men’s Basketball

The Review

Recap | Turnovers plague Mizzou offense in loss to Arkansas

Study Hall | Arkansas 72, Mizzou 60

Analysis | Turning over Missouri’s ball-handling woes

Preview | As Missouri rebuilds, LSU starts meeting its potential

Five Questions

1. In Mark Smith’s absence, who steps up from behind the arc?
2. Can Jeremiah Tilmon stay out of foul trouble for 40 minutes?
3. Mizzou turnover count: over or under 16.5?
4. Predict the score!
5. Who is your trifecta?