LIU Sharks vs. Missouri Tigers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

After enduring a dismal 8-24 record last season, Missouri is currently enjoying a much more successful campaign.

The Tigers (8-1) gained momentum by pulling off an upset against then-No. 1 Kansas, winning 76-67 on Sunday. They will look to continue their winning streak this Saturday when they host Long Island (4-8) in Columbia, Mo.

Tamar Bates, who leads Missouri with an average of 14.1 points per game, was named SEC Player of the Week after scoring 29 points against the Jayhawks. Mark Mitchell, who averages 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, also had a strong performance with 17 points and three blocked shots.

Despite only shooting 25 percent from beyond the arc this season, Mitchell came through with a crucial 3-pointer from the corner with just over two minutes left in the game, helping the Tigers hold off a late comeback attempt by Kansas.

"That's what we call confidence," said Missouri coach Dennis Gates. "He made a big-time play. He believed in himself. That's the confidence we talk about. We want our players to play with that kind of belief in themselves. They do it in practice, and they showed it in the game."

Missouri is currently without guard Caleb Grill, who typically averages 13.6 points per game. He has missed the last two games due to a neck injury and may be out for a few more weeks.

In Grill's absence, Anthony Robinson II has stepped up as a leader on the court. After only averaging 3.9 points per game as a freshman, he is now contributing 11.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game this season.

The Long Island Sharks have had a rough start to their season, with a record of 10-48 in their first two seasons under coach Rod Strickland. However, they have already secured notable non-conference victories against Air Force and Charlotte.

Strickland, a former NBA player from 1988-2005, is making the most of his first opportunity as a collegiate head coach.

"Basketball has been a part of my life since I was young. I've always wanted to help develop young players," Strickland shared with the MSG Network earlier this month. "I'm grateful for the opportunity at LIU and I'm looking forward to a successful season in the NEC."

Leading the Sharks in scoring is Malachi Davis, a transfer from Arizona State, who averages 17.5 points per game. He had a season-high 31 points against Charlotte. Jamal Fuller is also a key contributor, averaging 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

PREDICTION

LIU Sharks

Missouri Tigers

LIU Sharks vs. Missouri Tigers Recap DEC 14TH 2024

Trent Pierce came off the bench to score a career-high 24 points and lead Missouri past Long Island 88-61 on Saturday in Columbia, Mo.

Marques Warrick scored 16 points off the bench and Mark Mitchell had 15 to go along with seven rebounds and five assists for the Tigers (9-1).

Missouri made 14 of its 28 shots from 3-point range and connected on 56.4 percent of its field goal attempts overall. The Tigers led for all but 2:55 of the game.

Missouri deployed 13 players and scored 53 bench points while wearing down the Sharks (4-9).

Malachi Davis scored 12 points in 21 minutes for the Sharks before fouling out. Terell Strickland and Jalen Lee each added 11 points for Long Island.

The teams traded baskets for the first 4:31 of the game. Missouri then used a zone defense to frustrate Long Island and trigger a 14-0 run.

Aidan Shaw and Warrick each hit a corner 3-pointer to get the Tigers rolling offensively.

The Sharks stabilized with second-chance baskets by Xinyi Li and Jason Steele off offensive rebounds. But Pierce scored seven unanswered points -- on a 4-point play and a 3-point jumper -- to spark Missouri's 12-2 surge.

Missouri built a 45-24 halftime lead by hitting 7-of-14 shots from 3-point range and shooting 58.0 percent from the floor overall. Long Island missed 11-of-13 shots from beyond the arc in the first half and turned the ball over eight times.

The Sharks picked up their defensive pressure to start the second half and forced four quick turnovers. Strickland, Malachi Davis and Brent Davis scored fast-break baskets during an 8-0 run.

After their lead shrunk to 52-35, the Tigers scored 12 unanswered points to end any hope of a Long Island comeback. Two driving baskets by Mitchell and a transition 3-pointer by Warrick fueled that clinching stretch.