Missouri coach Dennis Gates knows a game against Kansas is never just another nonconference clash.
His Tigers (8-1) will travel to Kansas City on Sunday afternoon to play the No. 21 Jayhawks (6-3).
Kansas and Missouri were rivals for decades until Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012.
Gates took over the Tigers in 2022 and lost his first two games to Kansas before winning 76-67 last season.
Norm Stewart, who coached Missouri for 32 years (1967-99), had let Gates know the importance of that win.
“You’re not a head coach here unless you beat Kansas,” Gates told the Kansas City Star. “That’s what he said.”
The six-year contract for the Border War ends next season. The rivalry was renewed in 2021-22 after the schools had not met in 10 years. Gates wants it extended.
“No game has been the same,” Gates said. “There are elements that stand out for years from each game. … A child who was (here) last year in the arena will take something that will last for about 20-30 years, and they are going to share with their children. So it’s a generational memory that’s being passed down, and a passion that’s being passed down. And ultimately, at the end of the day, we’re stewards of the (game).”
The Tigers are led by Mark Mitchell, who is averaging 18.1 points per game and 6.1 rebounds. Jacob Crews adds 14.0 points per game and 5.2 rebounds.
Kansas coach Bill Self understands the importance of the rivalry.
“I understand the energy between the fan bases, which maybe at times spreads to animosity or anger, and I think that is good for the game,” Self said. “This would always be one of the most looked-forward-to games on our schedule every year, and certainly that hasn’t changed at all.”
The good news for the Jayhawks is they may get star freshman Darryn Peterson back for this game.
Peterson, widely projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has missed seven straight games with a hamstring injury.
The 6-foot-6 guard has averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the two games he has played. He made 6 of 12 shots from 3-point range.
“He has practiced the last two days, so he should be available, unless he has a setback between now and game time,” Self said Friday. “But we’re approaching it like he’s available.
“I look forward to coaching him again, more for him than me. But it is a long season and no matter how big a game it is, it is still nonconference. He will have to be symptom-free before we are putting him out there.”
Without Peterson, the Jayhawks have been relying on Flory Bidunga, who is averaging 15.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Tre White adds 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Melvin Council Jr. leads Kansas with 5.0 assists per game and also is scoring 10.9 points.
Both teams are coming off tough losses on Tuesday. Missouri lost 76-71 to Notre Dame and the Jayhawks fell 61-56 to No. 5 UConn.
