Thursday, days after the third win in Missouri's current four-game winning streak, Cuonzo Martin took the podium.
He spoke about his players ... and the importance he places on his players' personal growth. He also spoke about games.
"You win games, and you lose games," Missouri's first-year coach said. "Sometimes, losses bring me to my knees, and I don't want to get out of bed ... ."
Tuesday's matchup against Stephen F. Austin (10-1) won't do that, but a loss ahead of Saturday's Braggin' Rights showdown with Illinois in St. Louis would certainly hurt.
Missouri (9-2), a team that has not made the NCAA Tournament since the 2012-13 season, is having its best year since then.