Missouri @ Central Florida preview
Addition Financial Arena
After a strong performance in the AdvoCare Invitational, Missouri returns to the Sunshine State to face Central Florida on Thursday. The Tigers went 2-1 in the Orlando area in last week’s tournament, reaching the championship game before falling to West Virginia, while the Knights were 1-2 in the event.
The Tigers are adjusting to the idea of playing without star recruit Michael Porter Jr., which has given some of the team's other talented, young players a chance to step into bigger roles earlier than expected. Porter’s younger brother, Jontay Porter, averaged 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 blocks in three games in the AdvoCare Invitational to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team. UCF started 4-0 before losing its final two games in last week’s tournament, falling 83-45 to West Virginia and 46-43 to St. John’s. The Knights have won seven straight home contests dating to last season.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
ABOUT MISSOURI (5-2): Without their presumed go-to guy, the Tigers have spread the ball around, with four players averaging double digits in points and six scoring at least 6.7 per game. While the young players have garnered a lot of attention, veterans Kassius Robertson (13.6 points), Kevin Puryear (12.7, 5.7 rebounds) and Jordan Barnett (11.7, 5.3) have led the way thus far. Puryear, Barnett, Jontay Porter (10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds) and fellow freshman Jeremiah Tilmon (8.6, 3.9) give the Tigers a formidable frontcourt that has helped them rank 15th nationally through Tuesday in rebounding margin as they average 11.6 more boards than the opposition.
ABOUT UCF (4-2): Six different players have either led the Knights in scoring or tied for the team lead over the first six contests, and they have struggled mightily at the offensive end in the last two games. The Knights get after it on defense, though, holding opponents to 36.7 percent shooting while playing tough in the post. Tacko Fall (10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds) and A.J. Davis (10.3, 11) are the only players averaging double digits in points, and the latter has reached double digits in rebounds in every game this season.
TIP-INS
1. Missouri has scored 90 or more points three times in seven games after doing so on nine occasions in 164 contests over the previous five seasons.
2. The Tigers have knocked down 65 3-pointers – their highest total through seven games since hitting 66 in the first seven contests in 2009-10.
3. UCF has recorded three wins against SEC teams, including a victory over Mississippi State last season, but never has defeated an SEC opponent at home.
PREDICTION: Missouri 73, UCF 69