Missouri Claims Big XII Title And A Number One Seed?
Perry Jones III’s mom likes to give him candy if the Bears win a basketball game. It had worked recently as the resurgent Baylor Bears beat Kansas to advance to the Big XII Conference championship game. Too bad the boy is not getting any candy tonight.
The Missouri Tigers, in their final season of Big XII play, have won the conference championship tonight, defeating the Bears 90-75. The Tigers led the entire way, building up big leads before Baylor would claw itself back into the game.
Missouri was led by guard Kim English, who had 19 points. The Tigers had five of their seven scorers in double digits en route to shooting over 50% for the game. Baylor was lead by Jones, but he needed 12 shots to score his 16 points.
Looking at a box score, one would be a little surprised how the Tigers won this game. Baylor grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, while out-rebounding the Tigers by 11, 38-27.
Missouri would win this battle by taking better shots and making those shots. The Tigers ran out of the gates to an 8-2, then kept that cushion for most of the first half, leading 43-37 at the break.
The Tigers were even better after the break, building their lead to double digits for most of the early part of the second half. Baylor was able to get within five points with just over two minutes to play, but chose a perfect time to self destruct. A few turnovers and a couple bad shots will kill you.
Missouri iced the game at the free throw line, going 13 of 14 in the last 3:21 of the game.
Give credit to the Tigers defense though, limiting Baylor to under 40% shooting and accruing 7 steals and 3 blocks while forcing 11 turnovers.
This game was all about pride, as both teams are easily going to qualify for March Madness. Missouri may have just earned themselves a number one seed with their impressive performance, though many fans were certainly hoping that Kansas instead of Baylor would have been playing.
With about 24 hours until selection Sunday, Missouri and Baylor will not have to wait long to find out where they are headed.
Follow Paul Troupe on Twitter @gamin4HIM
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