What's Happening?
The Missouri Tigers and Kansas State Wildcats are set to renew their long-standing basketball rivalry with a home-and-home exhibition series starting on Friday, October 24. This series marks the continuation of a historic matchup that has seen the two
teams face off 237 times since 1907. Kansas State currently leads the all-time series with a narrow 121-116 advantage. The last encounter between these teams occurred in 2018 at the Paradise Jam, where Kansas State emerged victorious with an 82-67 win. The upcoming game will be held at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri, and is scheduled to tip off at 10 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game via live stream on the ESPN app or Fubo, as it will not be broadcast on national television.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of the Missouri-Kansas State basketball rivalry is significant for both teams and their fan bases, as it rekindles a competitive spirit that has been dormant since their last meeting in 2018. This exhibition series provides both teams with an opportunity to gauge their readiness for the upcoming season and to build momentum. For Missouri, coming off a 22-win season and an early NCAA Tournament exit, this game offers a chance to start strong and set the tone for the new season. Kansas State, with its historical edge in the series, will aim to maintain its dominance. The game also serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and for coaches to test strategies in a competitive setting.
What's Next?
Following the exhibition game, both teams will continue their preparations for the regular season. Missouri's schedule includes games against Howard, Southeast Missouri State, and Minnesota, while Kansas State will face UNC Greensboro, Bellarmine, and California. These early-season matchups will be crucial for both teams as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in their respective conferences. The outcome of the exhibition series could influence team morale and strategy adjustments as they progress through the season.
