SEC Hoops Preview: MSU Bulldogs Look to Stop Surging Tigers in Rematch

Two teams that are riding win streaks will meet in an SEC conference matchup. The Mississippi State Bulldogs are traveling to face off against the Missouri Tigers in Columbia.

https://twitter.com/MizzouHoops/status/961981684630671361

Key to Victory: Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are currently riding a four-game win streak. The start of that streak would start on Jan. 27 with a 74-62 victory against Missouri. The Bulldogs are looking to capitalize on the momentum to secure another victory for the team.

In the last game against the Tigers, the team’s highest scorer was Quinndary Weatherspoon. In that game, Weatherspoon not only led in scoring with 20 points but also led the team in minutes played with 36.

Not far behind was his younger brother Nick, who would contribute 12 points and play 32 minutes, four shy of older brother Quinndary. The play style of Nick is one that has assistant coach George Brooks impressed.

With the team play of the Weatherspoon Brothers, which combined for 32 points in the victory against the Tigers, they will be the key to victory for Mississippi State in the rematch.

While the Bulldogs will be hoping for a similar result, the Tigers are amidst their own winning streak, which would begin after their first matchup. Head coach Ben Howland is preparing for a different team than the one they played two weeks ago, as he would tell the media ahead of the matchup.

Howland on Missouri: "They are a different team than they were two weeks ago. They are very tough. They play really well and block out really well."

— MSU Men’s Basketball (@HailStateMBK) February 9, 2018

As the NCAA Tournament rapidly approaches, this will be a game for Mississippi State to make a statement as a serious threat in the tournament, and it will all begin on Saturday against the Tigers.

Key to Victory: Missouri Tigers

While the Bulldogs enter the rematch with a victory, Missouri is hoping to avoid a repeat. The Tigers would love nothing more than to end this sequel with a victory, stretching their win streak to four.

In the first game, Missouri’s leading man in points was Kassius Robertson, with 20 points for Mizzou. The Toronto native would also be on the floor for a majority of the game, clocking in 38 minutes of play.

The scoring output would continue for Robertson on the road with 27 points against Ole Miss.

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Combining his scoring output and length of play, which leads the SEC, Robertson is going to be Missouri’s biggest key to victory. When asked about Robertson, head coach Cuonzo Martin would praise Kassius for his ethic and determination to play.

The Tigers are going into the Saturday matchup with vengeance on their mind, and Robertson will surely be looking to lead Missouri to a victory against the Bulldogs. Robertson and the team will also be looking to gain sweet revenge for the loss two weeks ago.

Game Information

This rematch is set to take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. This showdown between the Bulldogs and the Tigers will emanate from Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.