Missouri is only in their first season playing in the Southeastern Conference, but guard Phil Pressey and forward Laurence Bowers have led the No. 17 Tigers to an impressive 13-3 record on the year, and in the process they’ve made Missouri one of only three teams (Duke and Kansas) in the nation to have two players named as John R. Wooden Award finalists. The award is given out in April to the most outstanding player in the country, and both men are certainly deserving. Pressey was also named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award for best point guard, as he ranks seventh nationally with 7.3 assists,12.9 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Against UCLA on Dec. 28th, he had an SEC-record tying 19 assists. And in the front court, Bowers is averaging a career high 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds to keep Mizzou solid down low.
Pressey and Bowers will have to continue their solid play if the Tigers hope to claim a high seed come tournament time in March. Up on the schedule are some tough matchups that will determine if the Tigers can claim the SEC in their first try, including an away game against No. 10 Florida (12-2) on January 19th, a home matchup versus Texas A&M (12-3) on February 7th, at Arkansas (11-5) on February 16th, and a tough road game against Kentucky (11-5) at Rupp Arena on February 23rd. Make sure to claim your Missouri Tigers tickets today to witness Pressey and Bowers' ascent and cheer the squad on to March Madness glory.
