Winning streaks are more difficult to maintain than losing streaks, and while Missouri has 13 wins on its season, it’s closing in on a .500 record.
Both Alabama and Missouri have similar records, overall. However, the Tide (14-7, 5-3) is two games better than the Tigers (13-8, 3-5) in conference play.
Mizzou has suffered some close losses throughout the season, while also winning some close games. It would seem that the Tigers are on the brink of working out their strengths and becoming one of the better teams in the conference.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, it’s a matter of figuring out how to win the close games, and how to close games in which they have a decent lead.
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While it’s refreshing to see Missouri possess a winning record, in comparison to the recent past, the Tigers may soon find themselves on the outs of an NCAA tourney bubble. The Tigers have to figure out who they are, now.
Mizzou lost its big-time recruit, Michael Porter, Jr., within the first three minutes of its opening game, while also suffering blows from players transferring out and suspensions.
What looked like a sure fire championship contender on paper, has become a possible NIT contender over the last half-dozen games. Somewhere on its roster, the Tigers have an identity, and it’s not Michael Porter, Jr.
The reality for Mizzou, is with the amount of youth and inexperience on its team, comes a certain amount of growing pains. The team has few, albeit good, leaders, but as the Tigers are in the midst of conference play and hurdle toward March, they lack the “it” factor.
Missouri can find ways to win without marquee players, because the Tigers have done it all season, but the difficulty comes against teams that have suffered fewer personnel losses and have experienced depth to go along with their success. The Tigers also aren’t devoid of talent.
Next: Missouri basketball isn't doomed, yet
The remainder of the season will be challenging for Missouri, but the Tigers have the potential to win a number of their remaining games. Can the Tigers affect a turnaround tonight at Alabama?