December 18, 2011; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Ricardo Ratliffe (10) and guard Kim English (24) and center Steve Moore (32) celebrate during the second half at Mizzou Arena. The Missouri Tigers defeated the William & Mary Tribe 94-56. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE
R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Whenever Kansas comes to town, it's a big deal for Missouri. With a border rivalry that dates to the Teddy Roosevelt administration about to be shut down indefinitely, expect the intensity to reach a fever pitch on Saturday.
And both schools are in the top 10, too.
The Tigers (20-2, 7-2 Big 12) have been a season-long surprise under first-year coach Frank Haith, who arrived as an unknown with a shaky track record. Now he's a contender for national coach of the year, getting the maximum from a seven-man rotation heavy on senior experience.
Once again they're chasing Kansas (18-4, 8-1), seeking its eighth straight conference championship and with a one-game lead over Missouri and Baylor. Thomas Robinson is a candidate for national player of the year.
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