Tigers prepare for last annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge hosting No. 12 Iowa State
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Coming off a road win, the Mizzou men's basketball team is preparing for the last annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge hosting No. 12 Iowa State Saturday at 1 p.m.
Head coach Dennis Gates has been big on tradition since taking over at MU hints why the Tigers decided to bring out throwback uniforms for the matchup.
"This is a special rivalry, it's something that connects out fanbase to our origins of conference before conference realignment really took its place," Gates said. "With the tradition of our jersey and the games there's just memories that we can always associate with historically."
Speaking of traditions, the game will also be happening during alumni weekend, which Gates says he's eager to welcome those individuals back to Columbia.
"It takes a village to run a basketball program," Gates said. "I want to welcome not just our players back, but all of those people that have had a hand in making this place special."
The Tigers are coming off of an 89-77 victory Tuesday at Ole Miss led by D'Moi Hodge and Isiaih Mosley with ten combined three-pointers.
Senior point guard Sean East referred to the two as the "splash bros" crediting how good it is to have Mosley back on the court.
"I've always told him I couldn't wait for him to get back on the court with us," East said. "He can bring you five more assists as a point guard so having them two to spread the floor will eventually lead to easy layups or dump offs."
Mosley isn't the only one that's been leaving a bigger mark in recent games. Mohamed Diarra had 18 minutes of play before the SEC schedule, but against the Rebels he had a career-best 11 points in 17 minutes played.
"Mo gives our entire team a dynamic that hadn't been out there and that's why it stands out so much," Gates said. "He competes at the highest level and he will continue to get better. I still don't think you've seen him at his very best like we've seen him in practice."
Mizzou was without starting guard Tre Gomillion Tuesday due to a groin injury and Gates said Friday that as of now he will not be available against Iowa State.
The Cyclones enter the game ranked No. 12 in the latest polls at 15-4 on the season and 6-2 in Big 12 play. The group comes to Columbia after an 80-76 home win over No. 5 Kansas State on Tuesday.
While the Tigers own one of top defenses in the nation, Iowa State is ninth in the country with a scoring defense of 59.5, scoring 71.1 points offensively.
The matchup will take place at Mizzou Arena Saturday at 1 p.m.
