COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball will welcome a familiar foe back to Mizzou Arena on Nov. 10, 2017, as the Tigers are set to open the 2017-18 season with Iowa State. The Tigers are slated to travel to Ames, Iowa, in a return trip on Nov. 9, 2018.
#Mizzou vs. Iowa State to tip off 2017-18 season (Friday, Nov. 10) in Columbia. Away game in 2018-19. ?? #MIZ pic.twitter.com/MJTuoZRMSi
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) November 10, 2016
Former league rivals dating back to the days of the Big Eight Conference, the Mizzou-Iowa State series (233 meetings all-time) dates back to 1909, when the Tigers claimed a rousing 53-14 victory in Columbia. Mizzou has posted a 149-84 all-time record against the Cyclones, the most wins over a single opponent ever for the Tigers.
“This is certainly an exciting series for Mizzou fans and alumni, considering the tradition and history between our two schools,” Mizzou Athletics Director Jim Sterk said. “It is unique to host a program like Iowa State’s to start a new season. All of us here with Mizzou Athletics look forward to seeing everyone at this big-time matchup in Mizzou Arena next year.”
A classic matchup that has featured coaching legends for both programs, Mizzou has only faced two programs more often than Iowa State (Kansas, 267; Kansas State, 235). The legendary Norm Stewart presided over 79 of those matchups, posting a stout 55-24 all-time record against the Cyclones, oftentimes getting the better of his Iowa State counterpart, Johnny Orr.
“This is really a special deal for Mizzou fans; this series coming up with Iowa State,” head coach Kim Anderson said. “A lot of memories probably immediately come to mind for fans of both programs. Our Mizzou program is excited to rekindle this series, but most of all, we’re excited for the challenge.”
Anderson battled well against the Cyclones during his playing days for Stewart, averaging 16.7 points per game while leading Mizzou to a 6-1 record against Iowa State from 1975-77. Anderson followed that by helping the Tigers to a 16-11 record vs. ISU during his days as a Mizzou assistant coach (1982-85, 1991-99).
Mizzou closed its regular meetings with Iowa State on a brilliant run of success, winning nine consecutive games from 2008-12. The nine wins included a final 78-72 Mizzou victory over ISU on Feb. 29, 2012, at Mizzou Arena, a matchup of 20-win teams and future NCAA Tournament squads.
