The University of Missouri’s basketball team, commonly known as Mizzou, is set to face the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) Redhawks in their home-opener. This highly anticipated match will take place at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. The game is particularly important as Mizzou seeks to build on their momentum from last season.
Mizzou’s Previous Performance
Mizzou enters this match with heightened expectations. In their previous outing, they showcased a powerful performance against Howard, despite some early-game jitters. The team acknowledged their struggle with turnovers, a total of 16 in that game. Head Coach Dennis Gates noted the need for improvement in fundamental plays and ball movement.
Key Players for Mizzou
- Anthony Robinson II – Junior guard, averaging 9.0 points per game (PPG).
- Jevon Porter – Senior forward, averaging 12.5 PPG.
- Mark Mitchell – Senior forward, averaging 13.9 PPG.
- Shawn Phillips Jr. – Senior center, averaging 5.4 PPG.
- Jayden Stone – Notable sixth man with 20.8 PPG last season at Detroit Mercy.
SEMO’s Overview
SEMO, based in Cape Girardeau, has been competing at the Division I level since 1991. The Redhawks have historically struggled, but they achieved their second NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2022-2023 season under Coach Brad Korn. This year, they look to capitalize on their previous success despite losing some key players from last season.
Redhawks’ Key Players
- Brendan Terry – Senior forward, the only remaining double-digit scorer, averaging 11.2 PPG.
- B.J. Ward – Guard known for his outside shooting, hitting 37.6% from beyond the arc last season.
- Braxton Stacker – A significant contributor with improved shooting percentages.
- Luke Almodvar – Transfer from NAIA St. Francis who has already made an impact.
Game Prediction and Strategy
The matchup is crucial for Mizzou, who historically dominates SEMO with a 9-0 record against them. The Tigers aim to set the tone early to avoid letting SEMO gain confidence during the game. To succeed, Mizzou must improve their free-throw shooting, having struggled in their last game by only converting 10 of 21 attempts.
Coach Gates is focused on building a strong home-court advantage, while also addressing player injuries. Trent Pierce, Annor Boateng, and Trent Burns will be sidelined for this game. Gates is optimistic that his team can capitalize on their skills and go into their next matchup with confidence.
Conclusion
As Mizzou prepares to host SEMO in this home-opener basketball match, fans can expect an exciting atmosphere at Mizzou Arena. With their eyes set on their second victory of the season, the Tigers are determined to deliver an impressive performance.
