Cuonzo Martin: Michael Porter returning to lineup in SEC Tourney

This time, though, it wasn’t just Jeremiah Tilmon shuffling between the bench and the court every few minutes. The 18-year-old stretch-four led the team in scoring in both regular season matchups.

When only five of those 17 go through the hoop, that’s not ideal. With Porter Jr. back, the Tigers could be a tough out if the offense is clicking.

“He will not start the game”, Martin said. In Michael Porter Jr.’s first game back from his back injury, his first basket was courtesy of his brother.

It was until yesterday, that head coach Cuonzo Martin said Porter told him he would be ready to go. So it didn’t flow as well. “And I’d be surprised if he plays 30 minutes of the game”.

Georgia is 18-14. United Kingdom is 21-10.

Finally. Porter to Porter.

There’s no telling where this Missouri team would have been able to become with a full season of Porter. Just getting in will be a vindictive moment for Martin and the program, but their spot on the bracket will undoubtedly mean more than they’re willing to admit.

“If he’s healthy enough to roll, he’s playing”, Martin said. “Something we can learn from is that the game’s not over until the buzzer goes off”. Now they’re disjointed and unsure, and double-digit scorers Robertson and Barnett scored seven and three points, respectively, against Georgia. Missouri would get close – within inches really – of winning this one, but they never quite could get over that hump. His shot was swatted twice at the rim because of his lack of lift, and he was short on most of his jumpers.

Many Missouri fans are calling it quits after Thursday’s 62-60 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, and that’s leaving a lot of tickets up for grabs at low prices. As things stand, ESPN’s acclaimed “bracketologist” Joe Lunardi has Missouri projected as a No. 8, playing Butler for the right to most likely take on No. 1 Virginia. Puryear was a non-factor who fouled on in 12 minutes of action.

But Porter has been ahead of schedule in his recovery and has now been practicing with the team for a week. That says it all. However, Maten dominated in the SEC tournament leading all players with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Georgia rallied from the 10-0 deficit and outscored the Tigers 15-2 and built a 33-24 half time lead.

The freshman had 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting, eight rebounds and one assist. “I think that’s pretty much all that it took to get us on that run”. The marquee matchup of Kentucky and Missouri that was destined for Friday afternoon-it’s not going to happen. But if all is well, and Missouri does land a tournament bid, the Tigers will hope Thursday held some value as the day Michael Porter was reintegrated into the fold.

NEXT UP: Now Missouri waits to hear its name and next destination on Selection Sunday. After that, who knows?