Preview: Mizzou Hoops looks to extend its win streak Wednesday against Lindenwood

While it's true that the Missouri Tigers (5-1) haven't faced the toughest non-conference schedule this season, they've handled business efficiently, winning without much drama.

The Tigers, however, opened their season with a close loss at Memphis, who recently defeated the #2 ranked and back-to-back champion UConn Huskies. This gives Mizzou at least some encouragement, knowing they played a tough Memphis team closely.

It’s been a streak of wins and dominance for Mizzou, who has surpassed 90 points in its last three games. During this high-scoring stretch, players like Caleb Grill, Anthony Robinson II, and Mark Mitchell have consistently found success, putting up points from all over the court.

Next, the Tigers face an inter-state matchup as Lindenwood makes the short trip from St. Louis. The Lions' season has been tough so far, as they currently sit in a three-way tie for second-to-last in the Ohio Valley Conference, with an overall record of 2-4.

Lindenwood is a recent addition to Division I basketball, having been promoted from Division II just a couple of years ago. In their first two seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, they have a combined conference record of 9-27, a mark they will look to improve upon this year.

Lindenwood opened the season with a tough 93-60 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, before bouncing back with a 98-30 blowout win over St. Louis College of Pharmacy in their home opener. After those two games, they lost close contests to New Orleans, Robert Morris, and Valparaiso, but picked up a thrilling 75-74 victory over Stonehill.

The two players to watch on this team are freshman Janis Jones and senior Anias Futrell, both St. Louis natives, who are the only players to average 30 minutes per contest.

Jones, the 6-foot-5 guard, averages nearly 13 points and 7 rebounds per game, shooting over 55% from the field. He’s started every game this season and also contributes close to a block and 2 steals per night. While he excels inside the paint and defending around the perimeter, he's not much of a deep threat, having taken just two threes this season.

In the game against the Beacons, Jones played 38 of the 40 minutes, shooting 7-15 from the field and finishing with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block, and an impressive 4 steals. He also limited turnovers and personal fouls, finishing the night with just two of each.

Beyond Jones, Futrell is another player Mizzou must keep an eye on. The senior guard, in his first season with the Lions after transferring from Christian Brothers University, is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per game. He plays the most minutes on the team and contributes over a block and a steal per game, defensively.

Futrell is a true shooting threat, though he hasn't always been consistent. On the season, he’s shooting under 40% overall, despite taking the most shots on the team in each of their six games so far.

When a shooter like Futrell gets hot, it can quickly change the game. Mizzou needs to be ready to defend him tightly and limit his open looks early, preventing him from getting the chance to start hitting deep shots.

Mizzou is hoping to secure their fourth straight win by 35 points or more, a streak that head coach Dennis Gates and his team are undoubtedly enjoying this year, as they continue to make program history.

The two teams from Missouri will face off at 5:30 p.m. at Mizzou Arena, each hoping to secure a win on Thanksgiving Eve.