Mizzou hoops vaults to #2 in the nation

Mizzou basketball is ranked #2 in the nation by both the AP and ESPN Coaches poll, following its 89-88 victory over the Baylor Bears Saturday.

The Tigers (18-1) stunned the previously third-ranked Bears at home behind a career-high 27 points from NCAA field-goal percentage leader Ricardo Ratliff and 18 points, seven assists and six steals from Phil Pressey.

This is the highest mid-season Missouri ranking since the 1989-’90 season. 

Frank Haith’s Tigers will have to prove their mettle in the tough Big 12, as the conference boasts three Top 10 teams (Kansas #5, Baylor #6).  The Tigers’ lone loss came on the road against #22 (AP) Kansas State.