Missouri Tigers vs Alabama State Hornets Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

Missouri Looks to Finish Nonconference Play Perfect at Home Against Alabama State

The Missouri Tigers are on a mission to wrap up their nonconference home schedule with a perfect record. On Monday night, they’ll take on the Alabama State Hornets in Columbia, Missouri, and fans are eager to see the Tigers stay unbeaten on their home court.

The Tigers’ Impressive Run

Missouri has been crushing it at home this season, going 10-0 in front of their fans. Their only two losses came on the road—an 83-75 defeat to Memphis in the season opener and a narrow 80-77 loss to Illinois in St. Louis on Dec. 22.

Despite the setbacks, the Tigers see those losses as learning opportunities.

“The SEC has proven to be the best conference in the country so far,” said guard Tamar Bates. “Close games like these teach us what we need to improve on, and they’ll help us get ready for conference play.”

Head coach Dennis Gates echoed Bates’ sentiment. “I’m proud of how this team responds to adversity,” Gates said. “Even in tough losses, we’ve stayed connected and found ways to dig ourselves out of tough situations. That’s the kind of resilience we need moving forward.”

Missouri’s Key Players

Missouri’s success has been a team effort, with several players stepping up to deliver:

• Mark Mitchell: The Tigers’ go-to guy, averaging 13.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
• Tamar Bates: A reliable scorer, putting up 12.7 points per game and bringing intensity on both ends of the court.
• Anthony Robinson II: Adding 10.7 points per game, Robinson has been a steady contributor throughout the season.
• Tony Perkins: The Iowa transfer has been a game-changer, stepping up big against Illinois with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Missouri has been without Caleb Grill (13.6 ppg) due to a neck injury, but their depth has helped keep them competitive.

Alabama State’s Road Challenges

Alabama State (4-8) is using this game as a chance to sharpen their skills before kicking off their Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) schedule. They’ve had flashes of success, with wins over Omaha, Lamar, UT Martin, and Virginia-Lynchburg.

“Our focus is on getting better every game,” said head coach Tony Madlock. “We want to peak at the right time and play our best basketball in March. That’s how we’ll earn a shot at the NCAA Tournament.”

Hornets’ Standout Players

The Hornets have a talented backcourt trio that’s been doing most of the heavy lifting:

• CJ Hines: Leading the team with 15.8 points per game, Hines is their go-to scorer.
• Amarr Knox: Right behind Hines, averaging 15.6 points per game.
• TJ Madlock: The coach’s son adds 12.1 points per game and keeps the offense flowing.

Hines showed his potential in their recent 83-80 loss to Delaware State at the HBCU Classic, dropping 25 points and grabbing six rebounds.

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What to Watch For

This matchup will come down to execution and momentum:

• For Missouri: The Tigers need to maintain their defensive intensity and keep spreading the ball around on offense. Staying sharp before SEC play starts will be key.
• For Alabama State: The Hornets’ guard trio will need to have a big night if they want to hang with Missouri. Limiting mistakes and staying focused from the opening tip are musts.

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Why This Game Matters

For Missouri, it’s about finishing strong and carrying momentum into SEC play, which kicks off on Jan. 4. For Alabama State, it’s a chance to test themselves against a tough opponent and prepare for their SWAC schedule.

Whether you’re a Tigers fan or rooting for the underdog Hornets, this game promises to be worth watching.