Post by MizzouTiger on Jan 19, 2008 17:28:06 GMT -5
mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/011808aaa.html
Tigers, Jayhawks Renew Border Showdown
Men play on ESPNU at 7 pm Saturday Jan. 18, 2008
FOR OPENERS
Missouri looks to remain perfect at home this season and push its home court record to 11-0 as they face arch-rival Kansas Saturday evening on ESPNU ... The Tigers are in the midst of a Mizzou Arena record 13-game home court winning streak, which already includes a win vs. nationally-ranked Texas (then No. 12).
Topping nationally-ranked foes inside Mizzou Arena is nothing new for the Tigers ... Although Missouri began play in Mizzou Arena in 2004-05, the club is already an outstanding 4-2 vs. Top 25 clubs, in the building, including a 72-68 win over then No. 7 Kansas on March 6, 2005 ... Other Top 25 victims include No. 12 Gonzaga (63-61 - Dec. 30, 2004), No. 16 Oklahoma (70-66 - Feb. 12, 2005) and last Saturday’s 97-84 win over No. 12 Texas.
A win for the Tigers would be their 14th consecutive home win, which would extend the longest winning streak in the history of
Mizzou Arena and be the seventh longest home-court run in school history ... Mizzou’s current 13-game winning streak ranks No. 11 nationally.
Mizzou Arena has been a terror dome for opponents during the Anderson era and the Tigers hope to keep that trend alive in Big 12 play ... Missouri has won all-10 of its home games by double-figure margins, including last Saturday’s 97-84 win over No. 12 Texas ... In home games overall, the Tigers are averaging a robust 86.5 points and own a dominating +26.1 scoring margin.
The Tigers have nine different players averaging at least 13.5 minutes per game, which has played a major role in the club averaging 60.0 points in the second half of their last two home wins vs. UMKC (61 points) and No. 12/13 Texas (59 points).
Missouri is the nation’s No. 2 team at defending the three-point arc this season, as foes are shooting just 25.6 percent from bonus distance against them ... Missouri’s three-point defense easily leads the Big 12 ... Oklahoma is second at 30.6 percent ... Over the last 13 games, opponents are shooting just 58-of-241 from three (.240) vs. the Tiger defense.
A by-product of Missouri’s great perimeter defense has been some huge scoring runs ... The Tigers have had seven runs of 20+ points this season, including a 34-2 run vs. McNeese State and a 24-4 run to close out Purdue.
In addition to three-point defense, Missouri ranks among the national leaders in assists, steals and turnovers, key by-products of its fast-paced style of play ... Mizzou ranks No. 8 nationally in assists with 18.7 dimes, No. 10 with 19.1 turnovers forced per game and No. 16 with 9.7 steals.
MIZZOU QUICK-HITTERS
Mizzou continues its 102nd season of college basketball on Saturday evening when it hosts No. 3 Kansas in the annual Border War between two of the nation’s fiercest rivals.
Mizzou is welcoming its most highly-ranked opponent into Mizzou Arena for Saturday’s game ... The last time Mizzou faced a team ranked No. 3 or better was Feb. 26, 2003, when the Tigers upended No. 3 Oklahoma, 67-52.
Speaking of Mizzou Arena, ESPN’s Pat Forde named Mizzou Arena the No. 1 “New School” college basketball arena in America ... Who can argue?, the place is loaded!
Prior to Saturday’s game, the most-highly touted opponent to come into Mizzou Arena was No. 7 Texas on Feb. 1, 2006, and No. 7 Kansas on March 6, 2005, a game in which the Tigers won 72-68.
Another unique note about the Mizzou-Kansas series is that three of the last five match-ups have been decided by four points or less, including an overtime win for the Tigers in 2006.
The Tigers are welcoming their second ranked opponent of the season into Mizzou Arena after playing a pair of preseason Top 25 teams, Michigan State (neutral court) and Arkansas (road) in the non-conference schedule and No. 12 Texas last Saturday.
Although the Tigers are facing yet another ranked Big 12 foe, Mizzou’s non-conference schedule should have them well prepared for the start of league play ... A unique aspect of Missouri’s tough schedule thus far is that the Tigers have played teams from a variety of power conferences ... Mizzou has played Michigan State, Purdue and Illinois from the Big Ten, Maryland from the ACC, Arkansas and Mississippi State from the SEC and Cal from the Pac-10.
Despite the tough schedule, three of Missouri’s losses have come by a combined seven points to programs that participated in NCAA Tournament play last season and in the Tigers’ six losses this season, they have either been in the lead or in a one-possession game in the final 6:23 of each contest.
As is the case with many teams across the country, Mizzou has been a buzz saw at home this year ... In running their mark to 10-0 at Mizzou Arena, the Tigers have averaged a 26.1 ppg. margin of victory on Norm Stewart Court.
In fact, Mizzou has enjoyed double-figure wins in all-10 home games this year, with six of their last nine home wins coming by 30+ points ... Included in that impressive run is last Saturday’s 97-84 win over then-No. 12 Texas.
Fueling those dominating wins have been some strong second-half performances over the last two weeks ... Mizzou scored a season high 61 second-half points against UMKC, which was the most since Missouri scored 64 against Chicago State on Dec. 2, 1995.
The Tigers followed that up with 59 second-half tallies vs. No. 12/13 Texas on Jan. 12.
Thanks to those huge second-half scoring numbers, Missouri ranks No. 17 nationally in scoring at 82.1 points per game.
Although the Tigers are clicking offensively, the team’s defensive pressure may actually be picking up following last season’s school record 302 steals ... The Tigers have forced 325 turnovers (165 steals) in 17 games this season ... Last year, Mizzou led the Big 12 with 10.1 steals and 18.9 turnovers per game and are averaging 10.2 steals and 19.1 turnovers forced per game this year, including the 23 turnovers forced vs. 2007 NCAA Tournament qualifiers Maryland and Arkansas.
Conversely, the Tigers are turning the ball over just 13.6 times per game.
Mizzou has done an excellent job converting off those miscues and are averaging 23.5 points per game off turnovers ... When you break down the numbers, Missouri is scoring 30 percent of its points off of turnovers (23.5-of-82.1 ppg).
Overall, the Tigers are forcing a turnover once every six possessions, which allows them to average 8.1 more shots per game than their opponents.
In addition to steals, a trademark of Mike Anderson-coached teams has been assist totals and the Tigers are recording assists on 62.8 percent of their buckets this season (318 assists on 506 FG’s).
When you take Missouri’s 49 “put-back” buckets out of the equation, the Tigers are averaging assists on 70.1 percent of their field goals.
Overall, Missouri’s 18.7 assists per game rank No. 8 nationally and has the club on pace to finish third all-time with 602 assists.
Even with the club’s fast-paced style of play, Missouri boasts a 1.4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio on the season, which ranks No. 13 nationally.
To put Missouri’s assist/turnover numbers in perspective, through 17 games last season (versus a much lighter strength of schedule), Missouri had 274 assists and 266 turnovers and had just a 1.1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as a team.
This year Missouri has 318 assists, 232 turnovers and that 1.4-to-1 assist to turnover ratio.
The Tigers boast a +5.5 turnover margin on the year, which ranks among the best in America, due in large part to the fact their 13.6 turnovers committed per game rank No. 20 nationally.
Missouri has flashed a balanced playing rotation, as nine Tigers are averaging at least 13.5 minutes per game and no player is averaging more than 27.5 minutes.
Missouri has topped double figures in three-point makes four times this year, including a season high 12 vs. Texas ... The Tigers also hit 11 three-pointer vs. McNeese State and 10 three-pointer vs. Michigan State and Southern.
TIGER TIDBITS (Individual Notes)
The Junk Yard Dog has had a major impact in just his first season ... DeMarre Carroll, also known as J.Y.De, dominated the Columbia Regional of the CBE Classic en route to MVP honors and has reached double figures in 15-of-17 game this season, including three 20-point efforts and a pair of double-doubles this season.
Carroll has been at his best at home, where he is averaging 16.4 points and 7.6 boards and 1.8 steals on 65.3 percent shooting from the floor.
Carroll has actually been close to producing double-double efforts in 11 games this year and is averaging 14.9 points and 7.2 boards to rank as the team leader in both categories.
The Big 12 Newcomer of the Year front-runner also ranks third in the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage (.594), while ranking among the Top 10 in scoring (9th) and rebounding (6th).
Carroll has topped 10 rebounds five times this season, including back-to-back games vs. North Carolina A&T and Illinois and a season-high tying 13 boards at Iowa State.
Those 13 rebounds at Iowa State led to his third double-double of the year when coupled with his 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor.
Even more incredible is that he is producing those numbers in just 24.9 minutes per game.
Carroll always seems to find a way to impact the game for Missouri and while he was saddled with foul trouble vs. Purdue, the junior forward blocked a career high three shots in the final 4:11 to help lead Missouri to the come-from-behind win ... Carroll actually scored three points, had three blocks, two assists and a steal in the final 7:35 of the MU win vs. Purdue ... The Birmingham native also added a career-high tying four steals vs. McNeese State and UMKC, showing another way he has impacted a Tiger win.
Carroll was recently named one of Seth Davis’ (Sports Illustrated) Key Faces in New Places for 2007-08.
ESPN’s Andy Katz also said “there may not be a harder working interior player -- outside of Tyler Hansbrough -- than DeMarre Carroll.”
In case you were wondering, Carroll dominates the classroom too and needs seven hours in the spring semester to finish his degree and begin his Masters work in Administration.
Stefhon Hannah continues to be one of the nation’s most dynamic point guards and has reached double figures in 21 of his last 24 games, including a three 20-point efforts this season.
He has also reached double figures in 16-of-19 career Big 12 Conference games.
Although his scoring numbers are consistent (15.0 points through 17 games this year vs. 14.1 through 17 games last year), the key to Hannah’s improved play has been fewer turnovers and more assists ... Last season through 17 games Hannah had 82 assists and 53 turnovers ... This year he has 92 dimes and just 47 turnovers vs. a much stronger set of opponents.
Included in that improved assist total was a season high 11 dimes vs. UMKC, helping the senior record his second career point-assist double-double.
Hannah flashed his toughness vs. Maryland on Nov. 20 when he played with the flu and still managed 14 points and five dimes ... The Chicago native wasn’t able to eat all day and spent the early portion of the second half in the locker room, but returned to score eight second-half points, leading MU to the win.
Hannah broke out of an early offensive slump with 20 points vs. No. 11 Michigan State on Nov. 20 ... The consistent lead guard has reached double figures in 36-of-43 career games for MU.
For his efforts, Hannah was named to the CBE Classic All-Tournament Team in Kansas City.
Hannah scored a career high 28 points at Arkansas, marking the 10th 20-point effort of his career.
In addition to his scoring numbers, Hannah’s assist totals are on the rise ... When you factor in Hannah’s 5.4 assists per game this year, the senior guard is actually accounting for 26.3 of Mizzou’s 82.1 points per game (including assists on three-point field goals).
Hannah’s 5.4 assists are the second most in school history, just behind the 5.8 dimes per game dished out by Anthony Peeler (1989-90).
Hannah also has 92 assists and 32 steals on the year ... For his short career, Hannah has had five or more dimes 26 times (including 12-of-17 games this year) and multiple steals 27 times, which is no surprise since the 6-foot-1 senior was named the nation’s ninth-best perimeter defender by Fran Fraschilla and ESPN.com.
As you would expect, Hannah is a preseason candidate for the Bob Cousy National Point Guard of the Year Award.
Not to be outdone, Keon Lawrence has reached double figures in 18 of his last 24 games, including a season high 18 points in the win over No. 12/13 Texas ... At one point, Lawrence scored 10 consecutive points in the first half for the Tigers setting the stage for the upset win.
Despite being just 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Lawrence is third on the club at 4.1 rebounds per game, including five games of six or more boards.
The dynamic guard is also second on the team with 13 blocks.
As was documented by the Kansas City Star, there are no “off days” for Lawrence, as he makes 1,000 shots each day the team is given off by head coach Mike Anderson.
J.T. Tiller earned his first career start vs. Coppin State and responded with 10 points, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes.
Tiller also reached double-figures vs. Illinois on Dec. 22, scoring 10 points in a career high 28 minutes.
While his scoring totals are up, Tiller continues to be Missouri’s top perimeter defender and played some key defensive minutes late vs. Purdue, helping to hold Purdue to just one field goal in the final 7:47 of the game en route to Mizzou’s game-winning 24-4 run.
Tiller continued his strong play vs. McNeese State, dishing a career-high tying four assists, without committing a turnover and added three more dimes and three steals vs. North Carolina A&T.
Matt Lawrence is starting to heat up from three-point range and is shooting 41.0 percent (34-of-83) from beyond the arc over his last 11 outings.
Lawrence has hit multiple treys in 10 of those 12 contests as well.
Lawrence poured in a career high 28 points on Dec. 30 at Mississippi State ... The 6-foot-7 guard hit 6-of-11 treys and tied a season high with six rebounds.
In fact, the St. Louis native has been at his best on the road throughout his career and his shooting 44.9 percent from beyond the arc (44-of-98) from three-point range away from Mizzou Arena.
The Big 12’s No. 2 ranked three-point shooter at 44.3 percent last season, Lawrence opened the year just 7-of-25 (.280) from beyond the arc, but is now up to 36.3 percent on the year.
Despite the tough start, Lawrence has shot 50 percent or better from bonus distance in six of his last 15 games.
Leo Lyons has played much-improved basketball this season and has reached double-figures in eight of his last 10 contests.
Lyons’ has already reached double figures 10 times this season, surpassing the nine double figure games he enjoyed his first-two seasons combined.
Lyons made his hometown return to Kansas City a special one, as he poured in career highs of 23 points and 11 boards in the 14-point Tiger win over Maryland.
Lyons earned Player of the Game honors from thingy Vitale and Co. as he hit 8-of-11 shots and 7-of-11 free throws en route to his first career double-double.
The 23 points made him the third different Tiger to top the 20-point plateau this year.
Lyons also torched UMKC for 22 points on a career-best 10-of-12 shooing from the floor.
Lyons recorded his second double-double of the year in the win over Purdue, chipping in 13 points and 10 rebounds ... Lyons ranks among the Big 12’s leaders with those two double-dips.
Lyons flashed his versatility vs. Western Illinois when the 6-foot-9, 240-pounder dished a career high six assists and recorded two steals ... Lyons has 24 assists, which is tops among Tiger post players.
He just goes about his business quietly, but senior guard Jason Horton has dished out 51 assists compared to just 23 turnovers this season, to rank No. 3 in the Big 12 in assist-turnover ratio.
Horton now has 370 career dimes, which is No. 7 all-time in school history and the Dallas native needs just 13 more assists to move into the MU career top five.
Horton needs just 11 more assists to pass Mike Sandbothe (380) for sixth all-time.
Horton is also closing in on the career top 10 in steals and needs 10 more thefts to tie Melvin Booker for No. 10 with 147.
Although he’s been known more for his defense and passing ability, Horton is averaging 13.5 points on 7-of-9 shooting (.778) in his last two home games, including a season high 16 points vs. Texas on Jan. 12, which was his highest scoring output since his freshman season.
Senior forward Marshall Brown is closing in on 1,000 career points ... The Austin, Texas native currently has 828 tallies and needs 162 points to become the 38th member of the Mizzou 1,000-point club.
The selfless senior was named team captain in December by teammates and coaches.
Brown broke out of an offensive slump McNeese State, scoring 11 points in 17 minutes and reached double figures yet again with 13 points on a career-high tying three 3-point makes vs. North Carolina A&T.
Brown then earned his first start of the year vs. Coppin State and later scored a season high 14 points vs. his hometown Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 opener.
Freshman Justin Safford graced ESPN’s Top 10 Plays on Nov. 8 with his alley-oop slam vs. Missouri Western ... Safford checked in at No. 6.
Safford enjoyed his most complete game at Mississippi State on Dec. 30, scoring four points and grabbing four boards in nine second-half minutes vs. the Bulldogs.
Darryl Butterfield leads Mizzou with 12 charges taken this season, including three games with multiple charges drawn this year.
Senior forward Vaidotas Volkus gave the Tigers a great first-half lift off the bench vs. Purdue, scoring five points and grabbing three boards in seven minutes ... For the game, Volkus played 11 minutes, which was his third-highest output this year.
ABOUT KANSAS
Kansas (17-0, 2-0 Big 12) comes into Saturday’s contest perfect on the year and ranked No. 3 nationally following a dominating 85-55 win over Oklahoma on ESPN Big Monday ... The Jayhawks are 4-0 on the road this season with quality non-conference road wins coming at USC, Georgia Tech and Boston College and a Big 12-opening win at Nebraska (79-58) ... The Jayhawks are a balanced squad with eight players averaging at least 15.9 minutes a game and four players averaging in double figures ... Sophomore forward Darrell Arthur (13.4 ppg) paces the team in scoring, while much-improved senior forward Darnell Jackson is second in scoring (12.3), second in field goal percentage (.669) and tops in rebounding (7.0 rpg.) ... Juniors Mario Chalmers (12.2) and Brandon Rush (11.7) round out the Jayhawks’ double-figure scorers.
THE SERIES WITH THE JAYHAWKS
Saturday’s game marks the 258th all-time meeting between Kansas and Missouri with the Jayhawks holding a 164-93 series advantage ... In Columbia, KU holds a slight 62-55 series lead, but the Tiger have won two of the three meetings in Mizzou Arena ... Saturday’s game marks the 101st year of Mizzou - Kansas Border War, with the initial contest coming nearly 101 years ago on March 11, 1907 in Columbia ... Mizzou won that contest 34-31.
FAMILY AFFAIR
A Rush will once again roam the hardwood along with the Missouri Tigers, but this time, it’s in an opposing uniform ... Kansas junior Brandon Rush, the younger brother of former Tiger great Kareem Rush, will make his fifth appearance against Mizzou on Saturday and enters the contest among Kansas’ leading scorers with 11.7 points per game.
WITH A TIGER WIN:
Missouri would earn its second win over a Top 25 opponent this season and defeat its most highly-ranked foe in the history of Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou would earn its fifth win over a ranked opponent at Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou would run its home court winning streak to 14 games, which would be the longest in Mizzou Arena history and tie the seventh longest streak in school history.
The Tigers would improve to 3-1 all-time in Mizzou Arena vs. Kansas.
Mizzou would improve to 26-4 at home under Anderson.
The Tigers would move to 29-17 all-time under Mike Anderson.
Overall, Anderson would improve to 118-58 in his six seasons as a head coach.
Missouri would earn its 12th win of the year, moving within six victories of last season’s 18-win mark.
The Tigers would move to 30-18 all-time under Mike Anderson.
Overall, Anderson would improve to 119-59 in his six seasons as a head coach.
Tigers, Jayhawks Renew Border Showdown
Men play on ESPNU at 7 pm Saturday Jan. 18, 2008
Missouri Tigers (11-6, 1-1 Big 12) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (17-0, 2-0 Big 12)
Regular Season Game 18 - January 19, 2008 - Columbia, Mo.
Regular Season Game 18 - January 19, 2008 - Columbia, Mo.
FOR OPENERS
Missouri looks to remain perfect at home this season and push its home court record to 11-0 as they face arch-rival Kansas Saturday evening on ESPNU ... The Tigers are in the midst of a Mizzou Arena record 13-game home court winning streak, which already includes a win vs. nationally-ranked Texas (then No. 12).
Topping nationally-ranked foes inside Mizzou Arena is nothing new for the Tigers ... Although Missouri began play in Mizzou Arena in 2004-05, the club is already an outstanding 4-2 vs. Top 25 clubs, in the building, including a 72-68 win over then No. 7 Kansas on March 6, 2005 ... Other Top 25 victims include No. 12 Gonzaga (63-61 - Dec. 30, 2004), No. 16 Oklahoma (70-66 - Feb. 12, 2005) and last Saturday’s 97-84 win over No. 12 Texas.
A win for the Tigers would be their 14th consecutive home win, which would extend the longest winning streak in the history of
Mizzou Arena and be the seventh longest home-court run in school history ... Mizzou’s current 13-game winning streak ranks No. 11 nationally.
Mizzou Arena has been a terror dome for opponents during the Anderson era and the Tigers hope to keep that trend alive in Big 12 play ... Missouri has won all-10 of its home games by double-figure margins, including last Saturday’s 97-84 win over No. 12 Texas ... In home games overall, the Tigers are averaging a robust 86.5 points and own a dominating +26.1 scoring margin.
The Tigers have nine different players averaging at least 13.5 minutes per game, which has played a major role in the club averaging 60.0 points in the second half of their last two home wins vs. UMKC (61 points) and No. 12/13 Texas (59 points).
Missouri is the nation’s No. 2 team at defending the three-point arc this season, as foes are shooting just 25.6 percent from bonus distance against them ... Missouri’s three-point defense easily leads the Big 12 ... Oklahoma is second at 30.6 percent ... Over the last 13 games, opponents are shooting just 58-of-241 from three (.240) vs. the Tiger defense.
A by-product of Missouri’s great perimeter defense has been some huge scoring runs ... The Tigers have had seven runs of 20+ points this season, including a 34-2 run vs. McNeese State and a 24-4 run to close out Purdue.
In addition to three-point defense, Missouri ranks among the national leaders in assists, steals and turnovers, key by-products of its fast-paced style of play ... Mizzou ranks No. 8 nationally in assists with 18.7 dimes, No. 10 with 19.1 turnovers forced per game and No. 16 with 9.7 steals.
MIZZOU QUICK-HITTERS
Mizzou continues its 102nd season of college basketball on Saturday evening when it hosts No. 3 Kansas in the annual Border War between two of the nation’s fiercest rivals.
Mizzou is welcoming its most highly-ranked opponent into Mizzou Arena for Saturday’s game ... The last time Mizzou faced a team ranked No. 3 or better was Feb. 26, 2003, when the Tigers upended No. 3 Oklahoma, 67-52.
Speaking of Mizzou Arena, ESPN’s Pat Forde named Mizzou Arena the No. 1 “New School” college basketball arena in America ... Who can argue?, the place is loaded!
Prior to Saturday’s game, the most-highly touted opponent to come into Mizzou Arena was No. 7 Texas on Feb. 1, 2006, and No. 7 Kansas on March 6, 2005, a game in which the Tigers won 72-68.
Another unique note about the Mizzou-Kansas series is that three of the last five match-ups have been decided by four points or less, including an overtime win for the Tigers in 2006.
The Tigers are welcoming their second ranked opponent of the season into Mizzou Arena after playing a pair of preseason Top 25 teams, Michigan State (neutral court) and Arkansas (road) in the non-conference schedule and No. 12 Texas last Saturday.
Although the Tigers are facing yet another ranked Big 12 foe, Mizzou’s non-conference schedule should have them well prepared for the start of league play ... A unique aspect of Missouri’s tough schedule thus far is that the Tigers have played teams from a variety of power conferences ... Mizzou has played Michigan State, Purdue and Illinois from the Big Ten, Maryland from the ACC, Arkansas and Mississippi State from the SEC and Cal from the Pac-10.
Despite the tough schedule, three of Missouri’s losses have come by a combined seven points to programs that participated in NCAA Tournament play last season and in the Tigers’ six losses this season, they have either been in the lead or in a one-possession game in the final 6:23 of each contest.
As is the case with many teams across the country, Mizzou has been a buzz saw at home this year ... In running their mark to 10-0 at Mizzou Arena, the Tigers have averaged a 26.1 ppg. margin of victory on Norm Stewart Court.
In fact, Mizzou has enjoyed double-figure wins in all-10 home games this year, with six of their last nine home wins coming by 30+ points ... Included in that impressive run is last Saturday’s 97-84 win over then-No. 12 Texas.
Fueling those dominating wins have been some strong second-half performances over the last two weeks ... Mizzou scored a season high 61 second-half points against UMKC, which was the most since Missouri scored 64 against Chicago State on Dec. 2, 1995.
The Tigers followed that up with 59 second-half tallies vs. No. 12/13 Texas on Jan. 12.
Thanks to those huge second-half scoring numbers, Missouri ranks No. 17 nationally in scoring at 82.1 points per game.
Although the Tigers are clicking offensively, the team’s defensive pressure may actually be picking up following last season’s school record 302 steals ... The Tigers have forced 325 turnovers (165 steals) in 17 games this season ... Last year, Mizzou led the Big 12 with 10.1 steals and 18.9 turnovers per game and are averaging 10.2 steals and 19.1 turnovers forced per game this year, including the 23 turnovers forced vs. 2007 NCAA Tournament qualifiers Maryland and Arkansas.
Conversely, the Tigers are turning the ball over just 13.6 times per game.
Mizzou has done an excellent job converting off those miscues and are averaging 23.5 points per game off turnovers ... When you break down the numbers, Missouri is scoring 30 percent of its points off of turnovers (23.5-of-82.1 ppg).
Overall, the Tigers are forcing a turnover once every six possessions, which allows them to average 8.1 more shots per game than their opponents.
In addition to steals, a trademark of Mike Anderson-coached teams has been assist totals and the Tigers are recording assists on 62.8 percent of their buckets this season (318 assists on 506 FG’s).
When you take Missouri’s 49 “put-back” buckets out of the equation, the Tigers are averaging assists on 70.1 percent of their field goals.
Overall, Missouri’s 18.7 assists per game rank No. 8 nationally and has the club on pace to finish third all-time with 602 assists.
Even with the club’s fast-paced style of play, Missouri boasts a 1.4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio on the season, which ranks No. 13 nationally.
To put Missouri’s assist/turnover numbers in perspective, through 17 games last season (versus a much lighter strength of schedule), Missouri had 274 assists and 266 turnovers and had just a 1.1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as a team.
This year Missouri has 318 assists, 232 turnovers and that 1.4-to-1 assist to turnover ratio.
The Tigers boast a +5.5 turnover margin on the year, which ranks among the best in America, due in large part to the fact their 13.6 turnovers committed per game rank No. 20 nationally.
Missouri has flashed a balanced playing rotation, as nine Tigers are averaging at least 13.5 minutes per game and no player is averaging more than 27.5 minutes.
Missouri has topped double figures in three-point makes four times this year, including a season high 12 vs. Texas ... The Tigers also hit 11 three-pointer vs. McNeese State and 10 three-pointer vs. Michigan State and Southern.
TIGER TIDBITS (Individual Notes)
The Junk Yard Dog has had a major impact in just his first season ... DeMarre Carroll, also known as J.Y.De, dominated the Columbia Regional of the CBE Classic en route to MVP honors and has reached double figures in 15-of-17 game this season, including three 20-point efforts and a pair of double-doubles this season.
Carroll has been at his best at home, where he is averaging 16.4 points and 7.6 boards and 1.8 steals on 65.3 percent shooting from the floor.
Carroll has actually been close to producing double-double efforts in 11 games this year and is averaging 14.9 points and 7.2 boards to rank as the team leader in both categories.
The Big 12 Newcomer of the Year front-runner also ranks third in the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage (.594), while ranking among the Top 10 in scoring (9th) and rebounding (6th).
Carroll has topped 10 rebounds five times this season, including back-to-back games vs. North Carolina A&T and Illinois and a season-high tying 13 boards at Iowa State.
Those 13 rebounds at Iowa State led to his third double-double of the year when coupled with his 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor.
Even more incredible is that he is producing those numbers in just 24.9 minutes per game.
Carroll always seems to find a way to impact the game for Missouri and while he was saddled with foul trouble vs. Purdue, the junior forward blocked a career high three shots in the final 4:11 to help lead Missouri to the come-from-behind win ... Carroll actually scored three points, had three blocks, two assists and a steal in the final 7:35 of the MU win vs. Purdue ... The Birmingham native also added a career-high tying four steals vs. McNeese State and UMKC, showing another way he has impacted a Tiger win.
Carroll was recently named one of Seth Davis’ (Sports Illustrated) Key Faces in New Places for 2007-08.
ESPN’s Andy Katz also said “there may not be a harder working interior player -- outside of Tyler Hansbrough -- than DeMarre Carroll.”
In case you were wondering, Carroll dominates the classroom too and needs seven hours in the spring semester to finish his degree and begin his Masters work in Administration.
Stefhon Hannah continues to be one of the nation’s most dynamic point guards and has reached double figures in 21 of his last 24 games, including a three 20-point efforts this season.
He has also reached double figures in 16-of-19 career Big 12 Conference games.
Although his scoring numbers are consistent (15.0 points through 17 games this year vs. 14.1 through 17 games last year), the key to Hannah’s improved play has been fewer turnovers and more assists ... Last season through 17 games Hannah had 82 assists and 53 turnovers ... This year he has 92 dimes and just 47 turnovers vs. a much stronger set of opponents.
Included in that improved assist total was a season high 11 dimes vs. UMKC, helping the senior record his second career point-assist double-double.
Hannah flashed his toughness vs. Maryland on Nov. 20 when he played with the flu and still managed 14 points and five dimes ... The Chicago native wasn’t able to eat all day and spent the early portion of the second half in the locker room, but returned to score eight second-half points, leading MU to the win.
Hannah broke out of an early offensive slump with 20 points vs. No. 11 Michigan State on Nov. 20 ... The consistent lead guard has reached double figures in 36-of-43 career games for MU.
For his efforts, Hannah was named to the CBE Classic All-Tournament Team in Kansas City.
Hannah scored a career high 28 points at Arkansas, marking the 10th 20-point effort of his career.
In addition to his scoring numbers, Hannah’s assist totals are on the rise ... When you factor in Hannah’s 5.4 assists per game this year, the senior guard is actually accounting for 26.3 of Mizzou’s 82.1 points per game (including assists on three-point field goals).
Hannah’s 5.4 assists are the second most in school history, just behind the 5.8 dimes per game dished out by Anthony Peeler (1989-90).
Hannah also has 92 assists and 32 steals on the year ... For his short career, Hannah has had five or more dimes 26 times (including 12-of-17 games this year) and multiple steals 27 times, which is no surprise since the 6-foot-1 senior was named the nation’s ninth-best perimeter defender by Fran Fraschilla and ESPN.com.
As you would expect, Hannah is a preseason candidate for the Bob Cousy National Point Guard of the Year Award.
Not to be outdone, Keon Lawrence has reached double figures in 18 of his last 24 games, including a season high 18 points in the win over No. 12/13 Texas ... At one point, Lawrence scored 10 consecutive points in the first half for the Tigers setting the stage for the upset win.
Despite being just 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Lawrence is third on the club at 4.1 rebounds per game, including five games of six or more boards.
The dynamic guard is also second on the team with 13 blocks.
As was documented by the Kansas City Star, there are no “off days” for Lawrence, as he makes 1,000 shots each day the team is given off by head coach Mike Anderson.
J.T. Tiller earned his first career start vs. Coppin State and responded with 10 points, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes.
Tiller also reached double-figures vs. Illinois on Dec. 22, scoring 10 points in a career high 28 minutes.
While his scoring totals are up, Tiller continues to be Missouri’s top perimeter defender and played some key defensive minutes late vs. Purdue, helping to hold Purdue to just one field goal in the final 7:47 of the game en route to Mizzou’s game-winning 24-4 run.
Tiller continued his strong play vs. McNeese State, dishing a career-high tying four assists, without committing a turnover and added three more dimes and three steals vs. North Carolina A&T.
Matt Lawrence is starting to heat up from three-point range and is shooting 41.0 percent (34-of-83) from beyond the arc over his last 11 outings.
Lawrence has hit multiple treys in 10 of those 12 contests as well.
Lawrence poured in a career high 28 points on Dec. 30 at Mississippi State ... The 6-foot-7 guard hit 6-of-11 treys and tied a season high with six rebounds.
In fact, the St. Louis native has been at his best on the road throughout his career and his shooting 44.9 percent from beyond the arc (44-of-98) from three-point range away from Mizzou Arena.
The Big 12’s No. 2 ranked three-point shooter at 44.3 percent last season, Lawrence opened the year just 7-of-25 (.280) from beyond the arc, but is now up to 36.3 percent on the year.
Despite the tough start, Lawrence has shot 50 percent or better from bonus distance in six of his last 15 games.
Leo Lyons has played much-improved basketball this season and has reached double-figures in eight of his last 10 contests.
Lyons’ has already reached double figures 10 times this season, surpassing the nine double figure games he enjoyed his first-two seasons combined.
Lyons made his hometown return to Kansas City a special one, as he poured in career highs of 23 points and 11 boards in the 14-point Tiger win over Maryland.
Lyons earned Player of the Game honors from thingy Vitale and Co. as he hit 8-of-11 shots and 7-of-11 free throws en route to his first career double-double.
The 23 points made him the third different Tiger to top the 20-point plateau this year.
Lyons also torched UMKC for 22 points on a career-best 10-of-12 shooing from the floor.
Lyons recorded his second double-double of the year in the win over Purdue, chipping in 13 points and 10 rebounds ... Lyons ranks among the Big 12’s leaders with those two double-dips.
Lyons flashed his versatility vs. Western Illinois when the 6-foot-9, 240-pounder dished a career high six assists and recorded two steals ... Lyons has 24 assists, which is tops among Tiger post players.
He just goes about his business quietly, but senior guard Jason Horton has dished out 51 assists compared to just 23 turnovers this season, to rank No. 3 in the Big 12 in assist-turnover ratio.
Horton now has 370 career dimes, which is No. 7 all-time in school history and the Dallas native needs just 13 more assists to move into the MU career top five.
Horton needs just 11 more assists to pass Mike Sandbothe (380) for sixth all-time.
Horton is also closing in on the career top 10 in steals and needs 10 more thefts to tie Melvin Booker for No. 10 with 147.
Although he’s been known more for his defense and passing ability, Horton is averaging 13.5 points on 7-of-9 shooting (.778) in his last two home games, including a season high 16 points vs. Texas on Jan. 12, which was his highest scoring output since his freshman season.
Senior forward Marshall Brown is closing in on 1,000 career points ... The Austin, Texas native currently has 828 tallies and needs 162 points to become the 38th member of the Mizzou 1,000-point club.
The selfless senior was named team captain in December by teammates and coaches.
Brown broke out of an offensive slump McNeese State, scoring 11 points in 17 minutes and reached double figures yet again with 13 points on a career-high tying three 3-point makes vs. North Carolina A&T.
Brown then earned his first start of the year vs. Coppin State and later scored a season high 14 points vs. his hometown Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 opener.
Freshman Justin Safford graced ESPN’s Top 10 Plays on Nov. 8 with his alley-oop slam vs. Missouri Western ... Safford checked in at No. 6.
Safford enjoyed his most complete game at Mississippi State on Dec. 30, scoring four points and grabbing four boards in nine second-half minutes vs. the Bulldogs.
Darryl Butterfield leads Mizzou with 12 charges taken this season, including three games with multiple charges drawn this year.
Senior forward Vaidotas Volkus gave the Tigers a great first-half lift off the bench vs. Purdue, scoring five points and grabbing three boards in seven minutes ... For the game, Volkus played 11 minutes, which was his third-highest output this year.
ABOUT KANSAS
Kansas (17-0, 2-0 Big 12) comes into Saturday’s contest perfect on the year and ranked No. 3 nationally following a dominating 85-55 win over Oklahoma on ESPN Big Monday ... The Jayhawks are 4-0 on the road this season with quality non-conference road wins coming at USC, Georgia Tech and Boston College and a Big 12-opening win at Nebraska (79-58) ... The Jayhawks are a balanced squad with eight players averaging at least 15.9 minutes a game and four players averaging in double figures ... Sophomore forward Darrell Arthur (13.4 ppg) paces the team in scoring, while much-improved senior forward Darnell Jackson is second in scoring (12.3), second in field goal percentage (.669) and tops in rebounding (7.0 rpg.) ... Juniors Mario Chalmers (12.2) and Brandon Rush (11.7) round out the Jayhawks’ double-figure scorers.
THE SERIES WITH THE JAYHAWKS
Saturday’s game marks the 258th all-time meeting between Kansas and Missouri with the Jayhawks holding a 164-93 series advantage ... In Columbia, KU holds a slight 62-55 series lead, but the Tiger have won two of the three meetings in Mizzou Arena ... Saturday’s game marks the 101st year of Mizzou - Kansas Border War, with the initial contest coming nearly 101 years ago on March 11, 1907 in Columbia ... Mizzou won that contest 34-31.
FAMILY AFFAIR
A Rush will once again roam the hardwood along with the Missouri Tigers, but this time, it’s in an opposing uniform ... Kansas junior Brandon Rush, the younger brother of former Tiger great Kareem Rush, will make his fifth appearance against Mizzou on Saturday and enters the contest among Kansas’ leading scorers with 11.7 points per game.
WITH A TIGER WIN:
Missouri would earn its second win over a Top 25 opponent this season and defeat its most highly-ranked foe in the history of Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou would earn its fifth win over a ranked opponent at Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou would run its home court winning streak to 14 games, which would be the longest in Mizzou Arena history and tie the seventh longest streak in school history.
The Tigers would improve to 3-1 all-time in Mizzou Arena vs. Kansas.
Mizzou would improve to 26-4 at home under Anderson.
The Tigers would move to 29-17 all-time under Mike Anderson.
Overall, Anderson would improve to 118-58 in his six seasons as a head coach.
Missouri would earn its 12th win of the year, moving within six victories of last season’s 18-win mark.
The Tigers would move to 30-18 all-time under Mike Anderson.
Overall, Anderson would improve to 119-59 in his six seasons as a head coach.