Jimmy V Classic Double Header Features Undefeated Missouri and Marquette

Missouri is off to a 7-0 start and is winning games by an average of 27.9 points. I was at the game when they beat down the California Golden Bears by 39 points in Kansas City. Missouri has a veteran group, and is undersized. The guards, though, can guard and create pressure, and Missouri has been really good at creating turnovers and moving the ball quickly on offense. They get out rebounded, but they make up for it by limiting opponent possessions where they actually get off a shot.

Villanova lost most of their contributors, and have lower expectations in 2011-2012, but coach Jay Wright usually puts together a solid squad. The Wildcats have lost to a very good St. Louis squad and in a close game against Santa Clara. Maalik Wayns will have to match the Missouri guards, while the Wildcats will need a big game from Mouphtaou Yarou inside against the Tigers, where he should have opportunities.

Marquette is also undefeated, thanks to pulling off the rare victory for a road team at Wisconsin last weekend. The team is led by Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, who are both shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three point range.

In addition to the Jimmy V Classic, top ranked teams North Carolina and Syracuse are also in action, while Kansas hosts a Long Beach State team that has played a tough early schedule, and got a road upset at Pittsburgh last month.

[photo via Getty]