LEXINGTON, Ky. — At 8:20 p.m. Thursday night, the Mizzou Tigers take on Colorado State; a number 9 seed against a number 8.
On Thursday, Coach Frank Haith tried to look at the bright side of his team’s placement.
“A lot of people have unlaced their sneakers this time of year so the fact that we get an opportunity to continue to play… you know I think our guys are extremely excited about that opportunity and feel privileged,” said Haith. “I mean they’ve earned it. The way you respect it is how hard you go out and play.”
“That’s the biggest thing is preaching to the guys who haven’t been in the tournament is to come out and play like this is your last game,” said Mizzou Senior Guard Laurence Bowers.
The winner will take on #1 seeded Louisville on Saturday- again in nearby Lexington.
But, while Mizzou fans would disagree, Kansas State Head Coach Bruce Weber said location isn’t necessarily a certain advantage.
“Once the game goes and the jump ball starts, you gotta play basketball and you’re going to have to earn a victory against a very good LaSalle team,” Weber said.
LaSalle is a 13 seed. That game is at the Sprint Center Friday afternoon.
Finally, the Kansas Jayhawks will be a heavy favorite against 16th seeded Western Kentucky on Friday night.
