We have got to somehow just disrupt what they want to do," Mizzou coach Mike Anderson said.
This game is about contrasting styles, on and off the court.
At UConn, Final Four trips are expected. At Missouri, they're still a dream.
When this season tipped off, UConn was among a select group of legitimate national title contenders. The Huskies have weathered some adversity, including the loss of point guard Jerome Dyson in February and, this week, a Yahoo! Sports report alleging that UConn broke NCAA rules when it recruited former basketball player Nate Miles.
Missouri has had its share of hoops success. But the Tigers have never reached the Final Four, falling one win shy four times, most recently in 2002, when they lost to Big 12 rival Oklahoma.
With 15 more wins than a year ago, Missouri is the nation's most improved team, and the Tigers' 31 victories set a school record. :0corn
Missouri sweeping to the Big 12 tourney title.
The Tigers' swift transformation has come under Anderson, in his third year at Columbia. He's a Nolan Richardson disciple who blitzes opponents with waves of fresh bodies off the bench.
That style proved effective in the 102-91 victory over Memphis. Mizzou led by 24 early in the second half and shot 53.2 percent from the floor.
"What Missouri did to that defense is absolutely astounding," Calhoun said.:scared
Against Memphis, nine Missouri Tigers played at least 11 minutes, and only Tiller was on the floor for more than 30. Memphis, by contrast, had only one reserve play more than six minutes, and four starters had more than 30 minutes.
Against Purdue, only one UConn reserve played more than 10 minutes -- guard Kemba Walker -- and all five starters logged at least 28 minutes.
Thabeet controlls the middle blocking shots and essentially turning the lane into a no-fly zone/
The Tigers will wear down Thabeet in a fullcourt game, and get him in foul trouble. He's fouled out of two of UConn's four losses. :SIB :0corn
"I think the biggest key is we've got to get that big beast to run," Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll said. "So hopefully we can get him running up and down the court, and fatigue could be a big factor in this game."
Thabeet may have to drift away from the post to guard Mizzou's big men, who often launch jumpers from outside the lane.
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GO MISSOURI !:00hour