Missouri dominates with speed, points

They are called "50/50" balls, those loose balls during the course of any basketball game that either team theoretically has an equal chance of getting.

Theoretically.

No. 8 Missouri, Old Dominion's opponent tonight at the Constant Center, gets about 80 percent of them, Jim Corrigan estimates.

Corrigan, the Monarchs' associate coach, compiled the scouting report on the Tigers, who might not be the highest-ranked team to visit the Ted, but are arguably the most dominant and statistically impressive.

Missouri (12-0) leads the nation in scoring margin (25.8) and is second in scoring (87.1) and field-goal percentage (51.9). The Tigers are the only team in the nation with more steals (120) than turnovers (116) and boast the nation's top field-goal percentage shooter in forward Ricardo Ratliffe, a Kecoughtan High graduate who hits a stunning 76.2 percent.

Outrageous figures all, but what catches Corrigan's eye is the whirlwind pace of a team fueled by four guards.

"It's about their speed and quickness and ability to get hands on balls," he said. "They get the vast majority of loose balls in a game - and then run down and score."

Missouri has been one of the surprise stories of the national scene. New coach Frank Haith, who reached the NCAA tournament once in seven years at Miami, was an unpopular pick in Columbia. Even less so after a Miami booster claimed Haith knew about a $10,000 payment to a recruit to attend the school.

Haith has denied any wrongdoing and the NCAA is investigating.

Meanwhile, Haith has seemingly pushed every right button since taking over for Mike Anderson, who left for Arkansas. He's tweaked Anderson's relentless defensive style, dialing back the full-court pressure in favor of a smothering half-court D, while adding some order and efficiency to the offense.

It helps that Haith inherited a talented roster heavy with seniors, and coming off consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.

Missouri opened eyes in November by beating Notre Dame and Cal by 29 and 39 points, respectively, on consecutive nights. The Tigers own just one single-digit victory, a 78-74 win over Illinois.

"The fact that they have played 12 games gives credence and validity to their ranking," ODU coach Blaine Taylor said. "I really believe they could be ranked higher."

Only Georgetown, ranked No. 5 in 2007-08, has had a higher ranking when visiting the Ted. If Missouri has any vulnerability, it's that the Tigers have yet to play a true road game. Plus, the 6-foot-8 Ratliffe is the only starter over 6-6.

Missouri has turned its lack of size into an advantage, though, creating match-up problems with a four-guard lineup in which 6-6 Kim English mans the power forward spot.

English is hitting 53 percent of his 3-point tries, while guard Marcus Denmon (18.7 ppg.) is hitting 45. They also help fuel a tenacious half-court defense that has made it difficult for opponents to run their offenses.

ODU (6-6) has had its troubles taking care of the ball and has yet to put together a complete game. Still, the Monarchs have a blueprint for how to play a team like Missouri. In a 62-52 loss to Kentucky, ODU shortened the game by controlling the pace, limiting turnovers and taking good shots. The Monarchs will need a similar performance tonight to have a chance.

It's a huge challenge, but also an opportunity. This year's team, quicker and more perimeter-oriented, is theoretically better equipped to match up with the Tigers than last year's big and imposing squad, which fell 81-58 at Mizzou Arena.

Theoretically.

Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372, ed.miller@pilotonline.com