What is it about Ames, Iowa that makes it so difficult for the Missouri Tigers to win up there on a consistent basis?  Last night, the Tigers looked flat and lacked energy and focus as they lost 72-67 to Iowa State to fall to 1-1 in the Big 12.

During his post-game interview on the Tiger Network, head coach Mike Anderson said he was surprised his team didn’t answer the bell for a Big 12 road game as the Tigers fell behind as many as 14 with just under ten minutes to go in the first half.  The Tigers cut the lead to seven by half, but could never really get close.

In the second half, the Tigers cut the lead to three with just over three minutes to play, but each time the Tigers chipped away, Iowa State would come back with a basket of their own, or force a turnover, grab an offensive rebound.  All the little things that coach Anderson talked about at the beginning of the season this Tiger team needed to do to be better, just didn’t happen.

Jason Horton, who was getting the start after his strong game against Texas, played just nine minutes and scored three points while picking up three fouls.  DeMarre Carroll led the Tigers with 19 point, Stefhon Hannan had 16.  Iowa State had four players score in double figures.

The Tigers host #3 Kansas on Saturday night at Mizzou Arena.