NCAA Basketball: 3 teams in need of a big conference tourney run

Mizzou Tigers (19-11, 9-8 SEC)

The Tigers share a major similarity with the Fighting Irish: a significant injury. For Mizzou, that injury took place just minutes into the season, when prized freshman Michael Porter Jr. suffered a season-ending injury…or so we thought.

While Jontay Porter is taking a star turn, his brother is nearing a possible return to the court as soon as this weekend. That gives the Tigers the star that was expected to push them to a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

At the moment, the Tigers’ resume barely seems deserving of a berth in the Big Dance. They struggle mightily away from home, going just 5-6 on the road so far. Their most impressive non-conference wins came against St. John’s and Iowa State. Not really Earth-shattering stuff.

But the Tigers acquit themselves well against stronger talent, going 3-2 against AP Top 25 foes. One can imagine that record being even better if Michael Porter Jr. was on the court, even for a full game.

Missouri is assured a first-round bye, but can’t receive a bye to the quarterfinals unless they defeat Arkansas on Saturday. Still, advancing to the semifinals – and showing off a healthy MPJ – should be enough to garner a tournament berth.