NCAA TOURNAMENT THREAD: TIGERS VS SOONERS

No need for an introduction today. Everyone knows what time it is.

First Half Notes

• Missouri’s first two baskets came off the transition
• Tilmon was involved as early as possible
• Mark Smith hit two big threes before the first media timeout

First MTO: MIZZOU LED 12-7

• Brady Manek was effective early for Oklahoma
• The Sooners quickly realized they need to double team Tilmon when he catches the ball on the block
• The Tigers went quiet offensively for a short stretch, allowing Oklahoma to trim the margin
• Missouri went 0-7 after starting 6-7

Second MTO: MIZZOU LED 14-13

• Austin Reaves began 3-3 from the field and the Sooners took their first lead following the break
• Mark Smith continued to shoot the ball well from distance
• Missouri’s half court offense settled for some questionable shots at times, but kept things tied
• Missouri wasn’t in any foul trouble, but also hadn’t earned a foul call

Third MTO: TIED AT 22

• Oklahoma picked up their first foul following the break
• Kobe Brown hit a go ahead three pointer off a nice find from Mark Smith
• Relatively short media

Fourth MTO: MIZZOU LED 25-24

• Javon Pickett converted a bucket on a nice wrap around inbound play
• Oklahoma was settling for jump shots late — Their offense ran through Reaves, Manek, and Harkless

At the Half: MIZZOU LED 27-26

Missouri didn’t shoot a free throw all half

Second Half Notes

• Tilmon got to the line on Missouri’s first possession
• Oklahoma came out hungry
• The Sooners did an excellent job not turning the ball over
• Manek stayed hot from deep, hitting another to put the Sooners up 9
• Cuonzo decided he needed to talk things over, Tilmon opened the break with a much needed put back dunk

First MTO: OKLAHOMA LED 38-31

• Missouri found their rhythm on defense
• Dru Smith canned two threes to cut the Sooner’s lead down to 1
• Javon Pickett gave Missouri the lead back on the ensuing offensive possession

Second MTO: MIZZOU LED 41-40

• Reaves put Oklahoma back up one at the free throw line and then sunk his first three of the night
• Reaves completely took over for a short stretch, putting up eight consecutive points for the Sooners
• Tilmon recorded his tenth rebound, giving him a double double
• Mark Smith got to the line and tied things at 48, though Oklahoma would answer quickly

Third MTO: OKLAHOMA LED 52-48

• Mitchell Smith hit a clutch couple of free throws to trim the lead back down to two
• Tilmon continued to body his opponent down low and finish tough shots
• Dru Smith put Missouri out in front following a huge three, though Harkless got to the line on Oklahoma’s next offensive possession, giving them the lead right back
• Mark Smith took some questionable second half shots after putting up 9 first half points
• Tilmon picked up his fourth foul just before the final media timeout
• Dru Smith was fouled heading into the break

Final MTO: OKLAHOMA LED 58-55

• Dru Smith’s free throws cut the lead down to one, again
• Manek responded with a huge three and then Harkless hit a bucket to put the Sooners back up 6
• Reaves extended the lead to 8, forcing Martin to burn a timeout
• Dru Smith nailed two clutch threes in the dying minute
• Missouri battled down the stretch, but Oklahoma managed to hang on

OKLAHOMA WON 72-68

>>>LINK TO THE PREVIEW HERE<<<

The Details

Opponent: Sooners (15-10)

Time: 6:25 p.m. CT

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, IN

Is Mizzou in the tournament? Yes! they’re an 8 seed!

What Does Vegas Say? Mizzou, -1

Where To Watch: TNT

Radio: Tiger Radio Network // Sirius/XM -119/199

Twitter: @MizzouHoops

Facebook: Mizzou Men’s Basketball

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Five Questions!

1. Who’s going to step up for the Tigers in round one?
2. More or less then 8 first half turnovers today?
3. Who scores first?
4. Who is your trifecta for the game?
5. What will the final score be?