WASHINGTON, DC - Everyone's talking about Mizzou's style, instead of its recent losing ways.
The No. 11-seeded Missouri Tigers (23-10) open the tournament Thursday night against the No. 6-seeded University of Cincinnati Bearcats (25-8). The Tigers have lost four of the last five games. Cincinnati lost by 38 points to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament. Then again, this is a new season.
"Totally different level, every play is magnified," said Missouri Tigers guard Marcus Denmon. "Having experience, being here does help."
The Tigers have made three-straight tournament appearances under Coach Mike Anderson. Mizzou has won at least a game the past two tournament runs, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2009.
"We build our team to get to this point, throughout the year we prepare to get here," said Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson. "When we get to postseason, we turn up the intensity."
