Missouri Tigers prepare for Wagner without Michael Porter, Jr.
For the second week in a row, the Missouri Tigers failed to crack the AP top-25, a feat which will take some time. Tonight, they prepare to play Wagner.
When the AP poll was first released a week ago, the Missouri Tigers received less votes than many had hoped for. Others, myself included, didn’t feel as though the Tigers were slighted.
Tonight, Missouri will host its second home game in three days, as the Wagner Seahawks visit Columbia, a team which, to the best of my knowledge, has never played the Tigers.
For anyone who may not be overly familiar with Missouri’s fair opponent, the Seahawks are visiting from Staten Island, NY. Wagner is a D-I program, and is ranked No. 3 in the Northeastern Conference standings.
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From a talent perspective, Missouri should have Wagner beat, dead to rights. Of course, the Seahawks could pull off an upset over a power 5 program, but those odds are minimal, at best. Of note, Michael Porter, Jr. will miss tonight’s game for the Tigers, who is still recovering from a hip injury.
Part two of this is with a win, Missouri still won’t crack the AP top-25. The Tigers simply haven’t played a noteworthy team, yet. But there’s no reason to worry, because the Tigers will find themselves among basketball’s elite by December.
Next: Mizzou a win away from bowl contention
In order for Missouri to land in the top-25, the Tigers will look to win big in the SEC, and play well in their non-conference matchups, both including ranked opponents.