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Are the Mizzou Tigers ready to bounce back from an unexpected slump? This Wednesday, they take center stage as they renew their long-standing rivalry with the Oklahoma Sooners at Mizzou Arena. Both teams have something significant on the line in this match-up, making it a must-watch for college basketball fans. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting clash!
As of now, the University of Missouri’s men’s basketball team is ranked No. 21 in the AP poll and No. 22 in the USA Today Coaches poll. With a record of 17 wins to 6 losses and a 6-4 standing in SEC play, Mizzou is looking to regain its footing after a tough week where they faced two top-10 teams. Despite close calls against No. 4 Tennessee and No. 10 Texas A&M, which resulted in losses by just seven points combined, the Tigers are determined to turn the tide.
Oklahoma, currently sitting at 16-7 overall, comes into the game as an SEC newcomer with a mixed record of 3-7 against conference rivals. This rivalry dates back to 1916, and while Oklahoma holds a 115-97 edge in their all-time series, the stakes are particularly high for Mizzou this time around. Not only is team pride on the line, but also family bragging rights as Mizzou’s head coach, Dennis Gates, will be facing his brother, Armon Gates, who serves as an assistant coach for Oklahoma.
The matchup serves as a pivotal moment for Mizzou. After suffering back-to-back losses, the Tigers find themselves in a position where they need to assert their dominance against teams they are expected to beat. Coach Gates has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focusing on their strengths to capitalize on the more favorable back half of their schedule.
Mizzou has the opportunity to solidify their standing in the SEC and make a strong case for an NCAA Tournament berth. They are projected to win six of their remaining games, making this rivalry match crucial. The upcoming games against the likes of Georgia and the rematch against Oklahoma will be instrumental in demonstrating the Tigers' capability of competing with the upper echelon of college basketball.
Although Mizzou Arena may be quieter than usual due to inclement weather forecasted for Wednesday, the players are hoping for a strong home-court advantage. The game will be important for both teams, with Oklahoma looking to gain momentum from their early non-conference success against teams like Arizona and Louisville, while their SEC performance has not lived up to those expectations.
The matchup will also see standout players from both teams in action. Oklahoma's Jalon Moore leads the Sooners with an impressive 17.7 points per game, while freshman sensation Jeremiah Fears has made headlines with his scoring ability at 15.5 points per game. With Fears potentially heading to the NBA after an outstanding season, all eyes will be on him as he tries to lead Oklahoma to victory.
As Dennis Gates prepares to compete against his brother on the sidelines, there is an added layer of familial competition that underscores the significance of this game. Gates has acknowledged the pride he takes in his brother’s achievements, but come game time, the rivalry will take center stage.
In summary, as Mizzou approaches this crucial game against Oklahoma, they have the chance to regain their stride in the SEC and show their resilience in the face of adversity. The question remains: will they rise to the occasion and reclaim their status as a top-tier team in the conference? With plenty of winnable games ahead, Mizzou basketball fans are hopeful that a victory against Oklahoma will set the tone for the rest of the season.
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