Regarding the importancy of the game:
I don't think this is Texas' most important game. Does a win help? Sure, but a loss doesn't hurt too bad.
The three must win games are Tech, OSU, and ISU.
We win those three and we get a first round bye in the Big12 tourney and get into the NCAA's with 19 wins.
BUT, a loss at Mizzou could potentially send this team into a tailspin that will last for the rest of the season. Hopefully the guys come out strong knowing they can beat Mizzou and run them all over the court.
Here's my idea of the potential match-ups:
TJ vs. Gilbert
Personally, I like TJ over Gilbert, though Gilbert can light it up. However he may have to use up most of his energy guarding TJ on defense.
Ivey vs. Paulding
I believe Ivey is the better defender, with Paulding being a better athlete. However Ivey scores more and is a better shooter.
Brandon vs. Rush
No question this is the best match-up of the game. Pre-season it would have been a huge advantage for Rush, but in Mouton's last 4 games he is averaging over 21 pts. per game. I don't think either player plays exceptional defense so this might be one of those "I can do you 1 better type" performance.
Erskin vs. ???
Don't know who gets starters minutes at the "4" spot. Erskin is nothing more than a situational garbage collector, though he has improved FT performaces lately.
JT vs. Johnson
Easily Thomas in this one. He has everything Johnson needs internally to become a good/great player for Mizzou. JT is 1 of three players to be averaging a double-double in conference games, look for JT to run the floor unmercifully earlier getting alot of close looks as johnson is late getting back on D.
Bench
UT-Boddicker, Williams, Klotz: The 1st 2 reserves more so than Klotz have the potential to light it up against teams that don't play good defense, for example Mizzou. Williams lit up Baylor earlier in the year, and Boddicker is coming off his best game ever as a Horn. Klotz is finding it tough as did Boddicker last year, for a Big 12 freshman post player.
UM-Stokes, Bryant, and Gage
Stokes and Bryant were 1-time starters prone to lapses defensively and offensively, so now they come off the bench. Gage sucks, Jammer proved that some 4 months ago.
Overall, I see UT winning this game. They went into Stillwater and beat OSU, and know they are starting to put it all together by pushing tempo with TJ, there last 2 games both over 100 pts. Kind of reminiscent of Barnes at Providence.
