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Missouri Tigers Set to Host Southeast Missouri State in Home Opener

COLUMBIA, Mo. – After a decisive 88-67 victory over Howard to start the season, the Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team (1-0) returns to Mizzou Arena to begin a seven-game homestand, starting Friday at 7 p.m. CT against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (0-1). The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Head coach Dennis Gates acknowledges the challenge SEMO presents, despite the Redhawks’ 92-67 loss to Saint Louis in their season opener. He anticipates a high-energy matchup. He describes the game as SEMO’s “Super Bowl”.

SEMO is coming off a 21-12 season, where it won the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title, led by coach Brad Korn. The Redhawks return eight players, including three starters: Troy Cole, Brendan Terry, and BJ Ward. They were picked to finish second in the OVC preseason poll.

Gates’ squad, however, will be shorthanded, as forwards Trent Pierce, Annor Boateng, and Trent Burns will miss their second consecutive game due to lower-body injuries.

One area of focus for the Tigers will be attacking the basket, as SEMO’s defense is known for limiting opponents’ three-point attempts. Another will be winning the rebounding battle. Mizzou is statistically one of the tallest teams in the nation.

The game also presents an opportunity to get Preseason All-SEC Second Team selection Mark Mitchell more involved in the offense.

Gates has said the Redhawks are a good team that is well-coached. He led Mizzou to a 96-89 victory over SEMO last season.

KenPom predicts a 90-66 win for Missouri.

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