The last time that these two teams played, the original XBOX had just been released, and I had yet to enter the world. Folks, as the great band Staind would say, “it’s been a while.”
Mizzou last played the Billikens in 2001, getting a nail-biter of a victory, 69-67. Outside of that affair, it’s been a very competitive 40-game series, with Mizzou holding the slight edge, up 21-19.
The game was set for October 30th, with the two programs set to do battle on Friday, November 6th.
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SLU is on quite a positive trajectory, making an NCAA tournament appearance last year, smoking Georgia 102-77. The Billikens opened up the season on Monday against Lehigh, getting a victory in convincing fashion, 92-67. The Billikens were led by Kellen Thames, who had 15 on the night, on a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. I’m no expert, but I think shooting 100% from the field is pretty good.
Part of why Thames was so efficient is his ability to turn offense into defense. Here is exhibit A:
The other reason? The Billikens LOVE the paint. In a world of basketball where the trey ball is the gold standard, the Billikens say, “screw your 3-pointers.” Exhibit B:
SLU’s offense is predicated upon off-ball cutting actions, screens, and constant motion. I watched their recent affair against Lehigh and was very impressed by the movement. Very rarely does the Billiken offense become stagnant, which is simply the Josh Schertz effect, as well as the simple trait of effort.
The Billikens still have plenty of capable shooters. Point guard Trey Green is a small point guard, only standing at a generous 6’0, but has a quick release that allows him to get shots up. Luke Laczkowski is a sniper, as he hit some big-time 3s late in the first half against Lehigh. Quentin Jones also has the ability to step back, as well as Jax Kerr.
SLU is a very good basketball team, and they might get even better on Friday. Former Indiana State and SLU star Robbie Avila lies in wait on his eligibility ruling. As it currently stands, Avila is not playing. That could change at any moment. If Avila is able to go Friday, that makes this squad a lot more dangerous. Avila has built a career on his passing ability, his ability to hit the three, and somehow scoring on people that are 10x more the athlete than he is. I can’t begin to wrap my head around that last point.
Hopefully now, you at least have a general understanding of this SLU team. A good offense led by motion, aggressive man-to-man defense, and the occasional three-ball. The only con to this team is their size, which we will get to in a minute. Now, due to Avila not being eligible, I will write this as if he is not playing. However, these points still apply, even if he is. Here are my three keys to the game tomorrow night:
- Limit paint touches:
This SLU offense thrives when Kellen Thames or Trey Green get paint touches. Heck, throw Quentin Jones in that bunch too. When SLU can get its feet in the paint, it allows for easy drive and kick opportunities, or baseline cuts. SLU LOVES CUTTING.
They are especially dangerous near the elbow when they get in back to the basket positions. Missouri will need to be extremely disciplined on defense. Limit the blow-bys, force SLU into contested three-pointers, and as your elementary coach once told you, “stay between your man and the basket.”
2. Don’t give the Billikens extra possessions:
SLU likes intercepting passing lanes more than most. After all, that first clip I showed of Kellen Thames was him doing just that.
Missouri needs to be very wise about its offensive sets, and I think the utilization of backdoor cuts will be vital in this game. SLU loves to gamble, so I think the flash for the ball, then a backdoor could be very successful. I’m not sure if SLU’s half-court offense is good enough to keep up with Mizzou, so if you are able to limit the self-inflicted wounds, Missouri has a very good shot to win this game, quite comfortably, may I add.
3. Start slow, impending doom:
Maybe you guys feel differently, but I think that SLU cares about this game exponentially more than Mizzou does. After all, a win against Mizzou does a lot more for their program than it does vice versa.
In a press conference yesterday, SLU head coach Josh Schertz said that this game is all SLU fans have been talking and thinking about. Dare I say, this is SLU’s Super Bowl. I expect a pretty heavy Billiken crowd. If you get down early, the crowd is going to be incredibly rambunctious and possibly hostile. Do you really want two of your key players, who are freshmen, to play in that environment this early? For Mizzou, you need to stomp on them early and never let go.
When: Friday, November 6th, 6 PM
Where: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
TV: ESPNU
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