Tigers Swipe Victory From Wildcats

The back court play of Phil Pressey and Marcus Denmon helped lead
the Tigers to a 75-59 win over Kansas State. 

After giving up 91 points to Texas A&M in Missouri's 91-89 overtime loss to the Aggies, the Tigers knew that they needed to get back to their basic principles if they had any chance of beating the 24th ranked Kansas State Wildcats.

Mizzou principles are rather simple:  Play tenacious defense and cause numerous turnovers. 

Mission accomplished as the Tigers forced Kansas State into 24 turnovers in route to a 75-59 victory over the Wildcats at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. 

The Tigers stole the ball from helpless Wildcat ball-handlers 12 times.  Freshman point guard Phil Pressey led the way with 4 steals on his own.

"He was like a little gnat out there, even to the point where one guy pushed over," coach Mike Anderson said.

Pressey was impressive offensively too, continuing his 3 point barrage knocking down three in five attempts and finishing with 13 points and 3 assists coming off the bench for the Tigers.

Marcus Denmon led the way for the Tigers offensively with 14 points while Ricardo Ratliffe, Kim English, and Laurence Bowers all chipped in 10 points a piece.

The win improved the Tigers record to 16-3 on the season and more importantly, to 2-2 in the Big 12. 

The Tigers next will play host to the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday.