NCAA Tournament Predictions: 8. Colorado State vs. 9. Missouri

By Kels Dayton
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Updated: March 18, 2013

Center Colton Iverson

8 Colorado State (25-8, 11-5 Mountain West)- Colorado State is one of the top rebounding teams in the nation, grabbing over 40 boards per game. The Rams boast a stout frontcourt, with stud center Colton Iverson (14.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg) leading the way. Iverson compares to former Kansas big man Cole Aldrich. He’s 6-10, 261 pounds and country strong, from South Dakota. He’s joined inside by the underrated Greg Smith (11.1 ppg).

Colorado State has experience in the backcourt in senior guard Dorian Green (12.8 ppg), who is a terrific decision maker and great three-point shooter. He plays like you’d expect a senior point guard to play in March. Forward Wes Eikmeier does all the little things for the Rams, and scores 12.2 points per game.

KEY STATS:

4th Rebounds Per Game (40.4)

50th Points Per Game (73.1)
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Guard Phil Pressey (US Presswire)

9 Missouri (23-10, 11-7 SEC)- The Tigers played down to their level of competition in the uninspiring SEC–and actually won fewer conference games than Kentucky and Alabama, both of whom will be playing in the NIT. A tough non-conference schedule and wins over VCU and Illinois probably vaulted Mizzou into the field, even though no one would have had a problem if the Tigers were left out.

Six players average in double figures in scoring, including leading man Laurence Bowers, who averages 14.4 points per game. Point guard Phil Pressey is the only remaining contributor from last season’s 30-win team. He, along with former UConn big man Alex Oriakhi, have provided a steady presence on this team despite some puzzling losses.

KEY STATS:

2nd Rebounds Per Game (41.0)

20th Points Per Game (76.2)

PREDICTION: Colorado State

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