Sometimes the best attack is a good defense. That was the case with No. 19 Missouri in its 81-70 victory over South Carolina on Tuesday at the Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers (9-2, 3-2 Southeast Conference) forced 13 turns and had no trouble converting them into points. Tigers’ 23 sales outlets accounted for almost a third of the total.
“This is something we’ve been practicing since we started in September,” said Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin. “I’m just trying to transition and take advantage of easy opportunities.”
Missouri’s defense was relentless from the start. After Xavier Pinson tied for Seventh Woods in South Carolina, Kobe Brown opened the scoring with a short jump. Two minutes later, Brown tied a ball, drove around the court and handed Mark Smith an easy tray.
Behind these turning points, Tigers took a 10-0 lead.
“It’s useful,” said Martin of the initial success. “It gives you confidence. You shoot and for some reason sometimes when you’re shooting like that, your defense looks good. “
Smith’s tray scored two of the Tigers’ 20 quick attack points. Martin urged his team to pick up the pace and get into painting more often, especially with South Carolina’s lack of height. Gamecocks have a listed player over 6 feet-8.
“If you go east and west, it will be a long night for you,” said Martin. “You have to attack downhill against these guys.”
In addition to Dru Smith, Missouri does not usually have many pickpockets. Entering Tuesday, the Tigers were tied with Vanderbilt in 13th place in the SEC in steals per game (5.4). Smith drives that average alone, having accounted for 21 of Tigers’ 54 steals in Tuesday’s clash.
However, Smith’s teammates stepped up in the burglary department on Tuesday.
Missouri ended with eight steals, which are tied for their second highest total of the season, even without one from Smith. The only time the Tigers had more steals in a game this season was when they scored 11 at the opening of the season against Oral Roberts on 25 November.
“They have really good drivers,” said Martin of South Carolina. “I thought our guards did an incredible job. Of course, you have individual assignments, but it is also a team aid. “
Along with his team’s record with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Jeremiah Tilmon had the record for his career in three steals against the Gamecocks. Tilmon was prepared for the defensive challenge of protecting the small South Carolina team.
“(Martin) always says there will be games where I have to protect the guards,” said Tilmon. “Games like this, I have to be ready and prepared for what’s coming.”
Transfer to Hawaii Drew Buggs’ two steals were a record for the season. Mark Smith, Mitchell Smith and Kobe Brown stole each.
“Good and difficult victory,” said Martin. “Everything around, good team effort.”
Missouri regained its strong defensive capabilities after a second-half collapse against the state of Mississippi on January 5. stretch.
The Tigers’ midfield attack looks good, with Tilmon showing it can be a reliable offensive threat on the crossbar. However, Tigers do their best when they run, especially after the turns of opposing teams.
“I like to play like that,” said Martin. “I want our boys to go out in transition.”