The Leathernecks threw a scare into the Tigers on Thursday. Now the Ospreys will get their shot.
Missouri, which survived a poor game from the charity stripe to get past Western Illinois 66-61 to start the season, will host North Florida at 3 p.m. today (KOMU-TV) at Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers, who did not have a player score in double figures in a game for the first time since 1951, were just 14-of-27 on free throws.
North Florida (1-2) picked up a 76-60 victory Thursday at Wyoming. The Ospreys outscored the Cowboys 44-26 in the second half to take the win.
Andy Diaz (6-7, soph.) had a double-double for the winners, totaling 23 points and 11 rebounds. Diaz is averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds this season.
Parker Smith (6-3, soph.) and Charles McRoy (6-6, fr.) added 13 points each.
Wyoming was without two players, who were suspended for the game.
North Florida opened the season with losses at Florida State (75-55) and at Pittsburgh (95-49).
This is the first meeting between Missouri and North Florida, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Ospreys, 13-18 last year, were picked to finish seventh by the coaches and eighth by the media in their conference.
North Florida is coached by Matthew Driscoll, a former assistant at Baylor.
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The game is part of the Cancun Challenge. After today's contest, both teams will leave for Mexico.
Missouri is part of the Riviera Division, along with La Salle, Providence and Wyoming. Missouri will play Wyoming at 6 p.m. Tuesday, then face either Providence or La Salle on Wednesday.
North Florida is in the Mayan Division with Western Illinois, Morgan State and Prairie View A&M.