Matter's Pregame Primer: Mizzou without Tilmon against Aggies

Missouri forward Jeremiah Tilmon (23) works for a shot as he's defended by Tennessee forward Kyle Alexander (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP photo/Wade Payne)COLUMBIA, MO. • Starting center Jeremiah Tilmon will not play Saturday against Texas A&M thanks to what the team has described as emergency wisdom teeth removal. Tilmon has started every game the last two seasons.

Without Tilmon, the Tigers will have to play smaller in the frountcourt or give extended minutes to junior center Reed Nikko. Without Tilmon and guard Mark Smith, still out with a sprained ankle, Mizzou is down to eight scholarship players, plus…