Welcome to the rivalry that sets the standard for all rivalries. Some rivalries are based on school proximity or same-state “Braggin’ Rights”, but name another contest that has its rivalry rooted in actual war, the Civil War. That’s what you get every time Missouri and Kansas lock-up in the Border Showdown.
Missouri is an outstanding 17-0 at home and averages a 22.5 ppg margin of victory within the not so friendly confines of Mizzou Arena. The Tigers have won 52 of their last 54 home games since the end of the 2007-08 campaign.
Missouri will look to run its current home winning streak to 18 games in 2010-11. Missouri’s current 17-game home winning streak is the seventh longest in school history and Mike Anderson is an outstanding 79-10 in Mizzou Arena since he took over the program in 2006-07.
It’s Senior Day at Mizzou Arena and today’s game marks the final home contest for senior forward Justin Safford. Safford has seen the revival of Missouri Basketball since his freshman season when the Tigers went 16-16.
Safford has helped the Tigers to 92 wins during his collegiate tenure.
Missouri is playing for seeding in next week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament. The Tigers could still finish anywhere from #4 to #7 in the Big 12 standings.
The Tigers are looking for their ninth league win and carry a solid RPI of 31 into Saturday’s game vs. #1 RPI – Kansas. Last season at this time Mizzou’s RPI was at 43.
Kansas plays for the outright Big 12 title following a 64-51 win over Texas A&M on Wednesday. The Jayhawks have clinched at least a share of their seventh consecutive Big 12 title as they head to Columbia.
The Tigers and the Jayhawks will tip off this morning at 11:00.