Kansas makes final Big 12 trip to Missouri<
^AP Photo MOLG111, KSCR108, KSCR107, TXMT108<
^Eds: APNewsNow. With AP Photos.<
^By R.B. FALLSTROM=
^AP Sports Writer=
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) _ Whenever Kansas comes to town, it's a big
deal for Missouri. With a border rivalry that dates to the Teddy
Roosevelt administration about to be shut down indefinitely, expect
the intensity to reach a fever pitch on Saturday.
And both schools are in the top 10, too.
The Tigers (20-2, 7-2 Big 12) have been a season-long surprise
under first-year coach Frank Haith, who arrived as an unknown with
a shaky track record. Now he's a contender for national coach of
the year, getting the maximum from a seven-man rotation heavy on
senior experience.
Once again they're chasing Kansas (18-4, 8-1), seeking its
eighth straight conference championship and with a one-game lead
over Missouri and Baylor. Thomas Robinson is a candidate for
national player of the year.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)