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The 8/9 match-up in the Midwest Region of the 2013 NCAA Tournament pins No. 8 Colorado State against No. 9 Missouri. There is an equal opportunity in this game for either team to win, which is why this one is sure to provide some fireworks.
Colorado State boasts a team that could very well be their best in school history. Led by Dorian Green on the perimeter and Colton Iverson in the paint, the Rams have a combination inside-outside threat that certainly can create some problems in their opponents. By way of an at-large berth out of the Mountain West Conference, Colorado State will need to find a way to get Iverson going early and often in this one.
As for Missouri, well the Tigers are paced by an excellent perimeter and some all around play that entitles them as one of the more balanced offenses in the country. In fact, head coach Frank Haith features a loaded lineup that includes six players who average in double figures.
What to Watch For
We know of the Rams go-to-weapons, but will certainly be interesting in this contest is how Missouri plans to defend them. There are plenty of options for Haith on the perimeter with Green. However, it’ll be interesting to see if Laurence Bowers or Alex Orakhi will get the call on Iverson. Either way, expects Missouri to utilize the double team when he gets touches inside.
The biggest key in this entire contest however, is the play of Tigers’ point guard Phil Pressey. The flashy, lightning-quick guard can play up to the big stage and what is bigger than the NCAA Tournament.
Prediction
Don’t forget, this Missouri squad was upended by 15th-seeded Norfolk State a season ago in the Round of 64. Now although there are a number of newcomers in this year’s squad, don’t think the Tigers won’t be playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Missouri 77 Colorado State 69
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
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