The Missouri Tigers will look to rebound today. And play better defense. And shoot better as they host the Valparaiso Crusaders at 5 p.m. at Mizzou Arena (SEC Network).
Missouri (0-1) is coming off a 69-61 home loss to Missouri-Kansas City. The Tigers, who trailed by nine at the half, were able to cut the deficit to three on a couple of occasions, but could never take the lead.
Valparaiso (1-0) opened the season with a 90-76 victory at home against East Tennessee State. Alec Peters, a sophomore, led four Crusaders in double figures with 27 points. Darien Walker added 20, while Tevonn Walker totaled 16 and David Skara chipped in with 11.
The Crusaders shot 50 percent from the field, including a 10-of-18 performance on 3-pointers.
Valparaiso, coached by Bryce Drew, was picked to finish fourth in the preseason Horizon League poll.
Missouri is 3-0 all-time against Valparaiso. The last meeting came in the 2003-04 season, when Rickey Paulding scored 22 points in a 65-47 victory.