Mizzou Sports Email

Waiting Game Is Over
Commentary Exclusive for Mizzou OSR
by Todd Donoho
Columbia, MO. - The best way to forget a 37-point loss is to get back on the basketball court and play the next game.  Unfortunately for the basketball Tigers and their fans, Mizzou did not have a midweek game this week.  I know the wait has been painful for the fans.  I assume it's been painful for the players as well.

The Kansas State drubbing is now in the rearview mirror.  Colorado is on the schedule for tonight.

I've heard some rumblings that the defeat to Kansas State thumped the enthusiasm for some Tiger basketball fans for this season.  Mizzou is now 14-and-12 on the season and 4-and-7 in conference play. 

Making the NCAA Tournament is the goal for every basketball team.  If Mizzou wins its final five conference games, then wins a couple of games in the Big 12 Tournament, they would likely get an invite to the NCAA Tournament.  It's possible, but that likely won't happen.

The Tigers could also make the NCAA Tournament if they win the Big 12 Tournament.  That's possible, but that likely won't happen.

The more realistic goal for Mizzou is the NIT, but that might even require five more wins in conference play and the Big 12 Tournament.

If the Tigers don't make the NCAA Tournament, it will mark the fifth season in a row that Mizzou failed to get an invite to the NCAA Tournament.  The last time Mizzou missed the NCAA Tournament five years in a row was back in the early 1970's when Norm Stewart was in the process of rebuilding the Tiger program after the disastrous Bob Vanatta years.  Back then a team had to win its conference to make the NCAA Tournament.  Twice during that 5-year stretch of not making the NCAA Tournament (1972 and 1973) the Tigers won 21 games and finished second in the Big Eight.  Mizzou had to settle for the NIT both years.

One could make the case that Mizzou's basketball program is mired in its worst 5-year stretch in 40 years.

Looking at the remaining schedule, Mizzou will probably be favored to win its remaining three home games against Colorado, Oklahoma State and Iowa State.  They will be underdogs in their two remaining road games at Baylor and Oklahoma.  The Tigers need to win those three home games and at least one road game to have a realistic shot at the NIT.

So, if you need a reason to be enthusiastic about the remaining games in this Tiger basketball season, it's this: the program desperately needs wins to avoid slipping backward.  In Mike Anderson's first season the Tigers finished 18-and-12 with a 7-and-9 conference record.  They will be challenged to get there this season.

So there you have it.  Still lots to play for.  Every game is important beginning with the one tonight against Colorado.