Mizzou's Tournament Prospects: A Closer Look
Mizzou fans might be feeling a bit on edge after missing out on a final SEC win, especially after tough games at Oklahoma, at home against Arkansas, and yesterday at Kentucky. However, there's still a strong belief that the Tigers are securely in the NCAA tournament mix.
Their Wins Above Bubble (WAB) score positions them favorably, closer to an 8 or 9 seed rather than teetering on the edge. This suggests that while the bubble's tail end might be weak, the overall NCAA field remains robust. The real drama comes from potential "bid thieves" - unexpected conference winners who shake up the bracket by stealing a spot.
Take the MAC, for example. Miami OH seemed destined for a tournament spot with an undefeated season and a 2.61 WAB score, until a loss in the MAC tournament opened the door for another team to claim the automatic bid. Similarly, in the Mountain West, Utah State is sitting pretty with a 2.42 WAB score, while others like New Mexico and San Diego State struggle.
High major leagues could also see surprises. Teams like Ole Miss, Oklahoma, or Georgetown could disrupt the expected order by winning their conference tournaments.
For now, Mizzou seems relatively secure unless some wild upsets occur. Auburn and Texas, on the other hand, might be feeling the heat. As we approach Selection Sunday, Mizzou's nerves should be relatively calm compared to others.
Missouri's Recent Performance and Recruitment News
Missouri's recent loss to Kentucky was a tough pill to swallow. Despite a valiant comeback effort, highlighted by Mitchell's impressive 32-point performance, the Tigers fell short. A 7-0 run led by Phillips brought them close, but ultimately, the comeback was halted.
In recruitment news, there's buzz around Quentin Coleman, a top 40 recruit from St. Louis, who is now available after decommitting from Wake Forest. This could be a significant opportunity for Mizzou.
Shifting Focus to Football
As basketball season heats up, let's not forget about football. Spring camp battles are underway, and there's promising depth at linebacker.
Jeremiah Beasley and Dante McClellan are two names to watch, both vying for significant playing time. McClellan's memorable pick-six showcased his potential, and the newcomers add even more intrigue to the mix.
Stay tuned for more updates and podcasts as we dive deeper into both basketball and football seasons.