Mizzou’s Big Monday
Senior forward DeMarre Carroll, surrounded by a flock of Jayhawks last year at Mizzou Arena, was named the Big 12 Player of the Week. Photo by Shane Epping.
Tonight’s Border Showdown against Kansas has been looming on Mizzou’s schedule all season long, but as the Tigers have continued their hot play, ESPN’s featured game on Big Monday (8 p.m. at Mizzou Arena) has gotten bigger.
Mizzou (20-4, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) is back in the polls this week, coming in at No. 17 in the media poll and No. 19 in the coaches poll. And who happens to be right above them? Kansas, of course. The Jayhawks (19-4, 8-0) will put their undefeated conference record on the line against Mizzou’s unbeaten home record this season. Something’s gotta give.
The Tigers’ play of late also has garnered attention in the form of league awards. Senior forward DeMarre Carroll was named the Big 12 Player of the Week, while junior transfer Zaire Taylor was honored as Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Carroll averaged 22.0 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 59.4 percent from the floor in wins at Texas and Iowa State. Taylor had 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting against Texas, including a game-clinching layup with 5.5 seconds left.
Mizzou is asking fans to wear gold for this evening’s game, coming into which each team has four or fewer losses for the first time since 1990. This might be the fastest Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball this season.
Mizzou Arena was packed for last season’s game against Kansas. Photo by Shane Epping.
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