COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A week ago, the Missouri Tigers were still holding out hope for an NCAA tournament bid.
But after two disappointing losses, the Tigers are realistically fighting for a chance to go to the NIT or the first-year College Basketball Invitational, barring a win in the Big 12 tournament.
Missouri's final home game of the season is tomorrow against Iowa State. The Tigers are 15-14 overall and 5-9 in the Big 12. Iowa State is 14-15, 4-10 in the conference.
Missouri could still finish as high as fifth in the conference with wins tomorrow, on Saturday against Oklahoma and if other teams lose. But Coach Mike Anderson says it starts with defense.
Missouri ranks eleventh in the conference in scoring defense and 12th in rebound defense.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
