The sophomore is a double-double risk each evening — he averages 13 factors and 9.4 rebounds — and is a significant purpose the Illini rank No. 3 nationally in offensive rebound share. In 34 minutes in opposition to Mizzou final 12 months as a freshman, the 7-footer completed with solely two rebounds.
“Who could make performs? Who can get offensive rebounds? Who can end on the rim? Who can set ball screens and dive and make performs,” Martin mentioned. “They each put strain on the protection as a result of it’s important to establish them after they’re attacking downhill, identical to how Jeremiah modified the sport in opposition to Liberty. When that occurs, you’ve bought to decide: Do you shield (inside) or do you attempt to guard on the 3-point line? One thing has to present.
MISSOURI VS. No. 6 ILLINOIS
The place: Mizzou Area, Columbia
Sequence; Final assembly: Illinois leads 32-18; MU 63, Illinois 56, Dec. 21, 2019
Information: Missouri 4-0, Illinois 4-1
TV, radio: ESPNU, Mizzou: KTRS (550 AM), Illinois: KFNS (590 AM)
About Missouri: Cuonzo Martin’s Tigers got here on sturdy late to beat Liberty 69-60 on Wednesday, led by Mark Smith’s 17 factors. … Edwardsville’s Smith, the primary participant to play on each side of the rivalry, is 3-0 in Braggin’ Rights video games with a win over Mizzou as a freshman whereas enjoying for the Illini in 2017 and two wins over his former staff within the final two matchups. … MU is capturing 60.9% from contained in the 3-point arc, the Thirteenth-best share within the nation. … Belleville’s Javon Pickett, as soon as signed to play for Illinois, gave the Tigers 17 factors off the bench in final 12 months’s assembly.
