The set-up: LSU is 8-4 as it heads to Missouri looking for its first SEC win (opened with a los to Vandy). The 5-7 Missouri Tigers will be playing their SEC opener and will be in search of some offense.

LSU: The Tigers not only lost Ben Simmons (19.2-11.8-4.8) from last year's team but also guards Hornsby (13.1) and Quarterman (11.2-4.6-3.6). Head coach Johnny Jones has come under pressure, as he's only taken the Tigers to one NCAA tourney in his first four years at the school and that wasn't last year, when Simmons was considered the best player in the nation (was taken overall No. 1 by the 76ers in the draft). LSU is coming off one of its best offensive efforts of the season, as it shot 57.4 percent, including 17-of-28 from three-point range, but lost 96-89 to Vanderbilt last Thursday. Craig Victor II (10.5 & 7.6 rebounds) has been dismissed for violating team rules, leaving guards Blakeley (17.0 & 5.0) and Sampson (12.1) plus the 6-10 Reath (14.2 & 5.8) as its top players.

Missouri: These Tigers are struggling, as they get set to open SEC play. Missouri was 10-21 (3-15 in SEC games) last season and the Tigers may not be too much better this season. 6-7 sophomore forward Kevin Puryear (12.5 & 6.6) has been the most consistent scorer, while freshman guard Frankie Hughes (11.8) is the only other Missouri player in double digits. Missouri is shooting just 39.7% from the floor (326th) and only 27.2% on threes (347th).

The pick: Missouri won 74-67 in overtime against LSU to open league play last year but that won't be the case, here. Make LSU an 8* play.