Why a matchup of 2-5 teams is so important
On the conference schedule, a battle of two teams sitting near .500 overall and both 2-5 in conference play may not seem like much of a marquee matchup. But Missouri's date with rival Kansas tonight has several implications as the Big 12 season progresses.
A loss tonight would drop Missouri to 2-6 in Big 12 play. For Missouri to have a realistic shot at its ninth-consecutive NCAA tournament berth, the Tigers need to finish at least .500 in Big 12 play. The league's strength should play into Missouri's favor, but anything below 10-10 likely ends any tourney chances. The Tigers need every win they can get, especially one tonight with a trip to No. 3 Texas looming next week.
If Missouri has one thing working in its favor tonight, it should be the home crowd. VolleyZou has pushed hard to get its members out to tonight's match, which officially kicks off the multi-sport Border Showdown. The winner tonight earns 1.5 points and an early lead for its school.