Missouri State – A Chance to Dance

(Kansas City, MO) – The Hall of Fame Classic gives Missouri State a chance to dance with the ‘big boys’. During the two days here in Kansas City, the Bears will take on Nebraska (Big Ten) and either USC (Pac 12) or Texas Tech (Big 12). Three ‘money conference’ teams await.

Off to a 3-0 start, the Bears have strung together three double-digit victories and played tenacious defense. They’ve forced nearly 20 turnovers per game and smothered the opposing shooters. Head coach Dana Ford has his re-tooled Bears committed to defense.

Missouri State leads the Missouri Valley Conference in defensive shooting percentage, blocked shots, turnover margin and they’re tied with Bradley for the most steals.

Three Seniors

Seniors Jarred Dixon, Obediah Church and Ryan Kreklow have played major roles. Dixon leads the team in scoring (18.7 points per game). Church leads the team in blocks while grabbing 5.7 rebounds per game. Kreklow leads the team in 3-point percentage and getting his nose dirty. He’s drawn 26 charges in this three-plus seasons in Springfield.

Newcomer Contributions

Keandre Cook, Szymon Wojcik and Josh Webster are newcomers that man three of the starting spots. Cook was the Valley’s first ‘Newcomer of the Week’ recipient and after two straight 20-point performances is second on the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and leads the Bears in rebounding (8.3 per game).

Texas Tech transfer Josh Webster has taken to the point guard position perfectly. The 6’3 St. Louisian has distributed 17 assists while making 11 of twelve free throws. Webster is leading the Bears in playing time.

The 6’10 Wojcik is averaging 9.3 points per game and gives Ford some important length in his otherwise smaller lineup.

One other significant substitute is Kabir Mohammed. The Nigerian native is averaging nine points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Nebraska Challenge

MSU’s first chance to dance is with the Big Ten’s Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are 3-0 and are yet to play a close game. Head coach Tim Miles has built his team around transfers.

Leading scorer and all-conference guard James Palmer Junior started his career at Miami. The 6’6 Palmer averages 21 points per game and is more effective attacking the lane than from long distance. His style creates offensive opportunities and is taking over 12 free throw attempts per game.

Georgetown transfer Isaac Copeland Junior is 6’9 and averaging 13 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He was an honorable mention all Big Ten performer last year after being named to the Big East’s all-rookie team (2014-15).

Glynn Watson Junior is a four year point guard starter for Miles. He averages 16.3 points and 4.7 assists per game.  6’11 freshman Brady Heiman is the first in-state signee since 2001 and leads the Huskers with 6.7 rebounds per game.

The Huskers are making ten three-pointers per contest.

Keys To Success

If the Bears are to succeed against Nebraska they will have to continue to play stout defense and rebound with tenacity. Miles’ squad is averaging 46 rebounds per game compared to the Bears’ 38.7.

If Dixon and Cook can find gaps in the NU defense and Webster can run efficient offensive sets, the Bears can be successful in Kansas City’s Sprint Center.

Win or lose on Monday, MSU will have a chance to dance with another ‘power 5’ team on Tuesday night.

Do Good