[Rosiak's Blog] Halftime: Missouri 46, MU 35

[ToddRosiakSays]

Halftime: Missouri 46, MU 35


Mar. 22, 2009 5:13 p.m.  




Boise, Idaho -- This one got ugly in a hurry.

After taking a 17-11 lead with 12 minutes 24 seconds remaining, the Marquette Golden Eagles literally got run off the court the rest of the way at Taco Bell Arena.

The Missouri Tigers went on a 35-18 run to close out the first half, highlighted by their holding MU without a field goal from that 12:24 mark to just prior to halftime when Jerel McNeal knocked down a long three-pointer from the right wing at the buzzer.

Although MU was getting points at the free-throw line, the long offensive drought was somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Eagles' starting their 2007 first-round game by going nearly 10 minutes without a point.

Missouri is simply too long, athletic and deep for MU at this point. The Tigers are keeping the Golden Eagles out of any semblance of an offense in the half court, and have sucked them into taking chances with the basketball.

That's led to 34.8% shooting (8 for 23) and 10 turnovers. Only MU's 16-for-18 performance at the free-throw line (88.9%) is keeping it afloat at this point.

McNeal leads the way with 16 points.

Missouri, meanwhile, is cruising along, shooting 52.8% (19 for 36) while committing just two turnovers. Reserve freshman guard Kim English already has 15 points -- one shy of his personal high.

Dominic James, meanwhile, has been a non-factor. He's played 13 minutes, but hasn't attempted a shot. He's got a rebound and an assist, but the Golden Eagles aren't even using him as a primary ballhandler.

He looks extremely tentative on the floor, and is lacking any of the explosiveness we've come to know from him over the years. It'll be interesting to see if the game gets any more out of hand how long coach Buzz Williams will stick with him.

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