Recent Play Details

The key to this game is going to be how well Utah State is able to handle the athleticism of Missouri. San Diego State is a fair comparison to the Tigers based on their size and approach to defense. The Aztecs swept all three games against the Aggies this season, which does sound some alarms. Utah State has been playing without a true point guard for the last two months of the season with Rylan Jones battling concussion issues. Head coach Ryan Odom has been able to scheme around that during the Mountain West slate, but he might be facing a tougher challenge here against an SEC foe that likes to press and play aggressive defense. Ultimately, this should be one of the more entertaining affairs of the opening round, and we’re drawn toward seeing some points in this one. If the Tigers come out with an aggressive press, they’re either going to force turnovers and earn easy buckets, or Utah State is going to break the press and earn open looks for themselves. Both teams play at a brisk pace. Both teams shoot the ball well from three-point range. Both teams shoot the ball well from the free throw lines. This is a “styles make fights” clash, and we believe this one is going over the total.