Missouri Tigers: Studs and Duds vs. Tennessee

Duds vs Tennessee

Dud #1: Xavier Pinson

The sophomore point guard just lost his shot against the Volunteers. Pinson was 2-of-11 from the field and 1-of-4 from distance. He had two assists and three turnovers. Safe to say it was on off night for No. 1.

Pinson chucked a few 3s that he probably shouldn’t have and he also missed three important, yet makable, shots down the stretch that halted a Tiger comeback.

One game off of being on the Studs list, Pinson received more minutes and flatlined. He shouldn’t be a regular on the duds list, but his performance against Tennessee can’t just slide. Missouri needs him to be better.

Dud #2: Javon Pickett

Pickett is still cold after a great four-game stretch during Mizzou’s most recent win streak. In the conference home opener, Pickett scored two points on 1-of-5 shooting. He missed both deep balls he shot and both shots from the charity stripe. He turned the ball over twice.

Pickett is a plus defender and when his offense boomed, Missouri was great. He’s been cold these past two games, however, and the Tigers are struggling.

Pickett seems to be in his head now that SEC play has started. Before, he didn’t hesitate to take an open three, but now he hesitates and settles for a dribble pull up. While he can make that, Mizzou needs him to find his stroke from deep.

Dud #3: Dru Smith

Where is the Dru Smith that was scoring around 20 points a night and hitting 3s without hesitation? The Dru Smith that was aggressive going to the hole and went up strong? Where is he?

Smith has scored 17 total points in two SEC games on 7-of-17 shooting.

His defense is exceptional but it’s not there when he fouls out like he did against Tennessee.

Now, did Dru Smith play bad? No. But he’s had a few big games this season that leave Missouri fans wanting more. When he is aggressive and looks to score, he usually can. But more often he is looking to pass.

While that isn’t the worst problem to have, Mizzou needs a scorer. Desperately. He has the potential to be that scorer.