(Photo: L.g. Patterson, Copyright 1998 Springfield News-Leader;AP)
Social media arguments have already begun between Springfield and Columbia sports fans upon the news that Mizzou head men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin said in a video that he's bringing the Tigers to JQH Arena.
Some fans in Columbia don't want to call it a rivalry, but the back-and-forth spats between the fan bases already would suggest otherwise.
Whenever these two teams meet, you know it has to mean a little more as bragging rights are put on the line until they meet again.
Men's basketball
- Series tied 2-2
- Last matchup: Missouri State won 72-69 in 1998 in Columbia
- Next matchup: Likely in 2020 in Springfield
- NCAA Tournament appearances: MSU 6; MIZ 27
- Best NCAA Tournament finish: MSU NCAA Sweet 16 (1999); MIZ NCAA Elite Eight (1976, 1994, 2002, 2009)
These two teams haven't played each other since 1998 and that appears to be on the cusp of changing in 2020.