COLUMBIA The stage seemed to be set for a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the Missouri women’s basketball team. The Tigers (9-5, 0-1) outplayed No.3-ranked Texas A&M (13-1, 1-0) for the majority of Saturday night’s game at Mizzou Arena. But in the end, a sluggish second half start that allowed the Aggies to open up a 17-point lead proved to be too much for Missouri to overcome.

“I was very disappointed in our last two minutes of our first half,Football shirts, and then obviously we didn’t start the second half off very well,” Missouri coach Cindy Stein said. “I just felt like if we could have taken away three or four minutes it could have been a different ballgame.”

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The Tigers and Aggies traded leads seven times in the first half, but consecutive turnovers by junior Marissa Scott and sophomore Shakara Jones enabled Texas A&M to end the period on a 6-0 run and carry a 27-23 lead into halftime. Missouri wouldn’t get that close again until the 3:24 mark of the second half.

Missouri’s slow start in second halves has been a developing trend over the last couple of home games. The Tigers got off to quick starts against Southeast Missouri State and Chicago State before losing their intensity level. But the difference in the level of competition the Tigers were facing was apparent on Saturday. Rather than coasting to 20-point victories as they did in their previous two home games the Tigers fell behind by 17 points and were forced to play catch-up the rest of the night.

“I think we probably have to get a little more bounce into them,” Stein said. “Whether it’s your warm-up when you come out of the half or maybe it’s three-hour practices so they endure that.”

Stein added that she didn’t think her team’s second-half woes were necessarily an indication of a poor effort, but she said it is something that the coaching staff must take responsibility for.

“We probably have to get them out here (on the court) a little earlier,Lazio shirt,” Stein said. “I kept them in the locker room for quite a bit, so we probably got to get them out of here. It’s probably my fault.”

Stein said the intensity that her team starts games with makes it difficult for them to sustain the effort for the game’s entirety.

“It’s hard to sustain that intensity, but you’re going to have to do it to win games in the Big 12,Newcastle United shirt,” Stein said. “I think that we had a little drop-off where our kids questioned whether we could do it or not, and then basically we subbed. And we got a little more bounce and got a little bit more life and we went on a roll.”

The Tigers didn’t lack opportunities to get back into the game. They pulled within four points on three separate occasions in the final 3:24. But Scott, senior Alyssa Hollins and junior Jessra Johnson each missed three-point attempts that prevented the Tigers from getting any closer.

The Tigers’ effort was not lost on the home crowd. As the Missouri players walked off the court, the announced crowd of 1,763 gave the Tigers a standing ovation. Jones said she had mixed emotions as she listened to the applause after suffering a defeat.

“We’re disappointed because we wanted the W,” Jones said. “But we also can’t hang our heads because we played good and we fought to the end, and that’s what we want.”

But Stein made it abundantly clear that there were no feelings of contentment in her locker room after the game. As pleased as she was with her team’s effort, she pointed out that there are still plenty of things it has to improve at if it wants to win games in the Big 12.

“That was nice of them (the fans), obviously,” Stein said. “But we’re not content. And I can tell you when I walked into our locker room,Atletico Madrid shirt, our players aren’t content. We want to feel good about our effort, but we want to have that fire in our bellies still about getting a win.”

The Tigers’ next game is against Kansas at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Allen Fieldhouse.

COLUMBIA Nebraska men’s basketball coach Doc Sadler is no stranger to Marcus Denmon’s scoring capabilities.

“He creates so many problems for you because he can really shoot the basketball,” Sadler said in Monday’s Big 12 media teleconference. “But he’s really not just a one-dimensional player.”

Tuesday’s game

No. 22 Missouri Tigers (22-7, 8-6 Big 12)
at Nebraska Cornhuskers (18-10, 6-8 Big 12)

WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Bob Devaney Center,Football shirts, Lincoln, Neb.
RADIO: KTGR 100.5 FM/1580 AM
TV: KZOU Channel 17

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Denmon lit up the Cornhuskers when they lost to the Tigers in Columbia earlier this season. His 27-point performance tied his career best. But Sadler is also aware of Denmon’s other strengths,Sevilla shirt, the same strengths that Missouri coach Mike Anderson says he thinks qualify Denmon as a Big 12 Player of the Year candidate.

Sure, Denmon can score. As of Monday, the junior guard is seventh in the conference in points with 484 (16.7 points per conference game).

But what sets Denmon apart is his accuracy. He is fifth in the Big 12 in shooting percentage (50.7 percent). Take into account that the four players ahead of him are forwards and centers, and that makes Denmon the most efficient guard in the conference.

When he escapes a defender and sets his feet firmly behind the 3-point line, the result is usually points added to the scoreboard. That is if he decides to take the shot.

Denmon seems to select his shots like a picky shopper searching for a perfectly-ripe piece of produce. If it’s not there,Kaizer Chiefs shirt, he won’t take it.

Missouri fans often let out audible groans when their leading scorer passes up a shot. They wouldn’t complain if he pulled the trigger twice as much. Even Denmon himself has said he reigns in his offensive production at times.

After bolting to a 18-point first half in Missouri’s win over Texas Tech in February, Denmon added only two more in the second half. He said he was trying to get his teammates more opportunities.

“I was trying to be a little more passive in the second half just because I felt like I could help get some other guys involved,Santos shirt,” Denmon said after the game. “A lot of teams around the country, they have just one key player, and if you can key on him, you can stop the team.”

As much as Missouri’s fans wish he would fire away, Anderson thinks Denmon’s scoring is just where it needs to be.

“He’s playing the game the right way,” Anderson said.

In fact, Anderson said focusing on Denmon’s shooting and scoring is an injustice to the other aspects of his game. To understand what Denmon brings to the table, you have to look at the big picture.

“Everybody gets so caught up in scoring,” Anderson said. “What’s the impact he’s having on our basketball team? To me, that’s what you look at when you are talking about someone that’s a player of the year candidate. I think he’s been playing at that level all year long.”

Anderson pointed out that Denmon is second in the conference in steals (53), as well as a strong rebounder for his size.

On Tuesday, Sadler will likely be more focused on stopping Denmon’s scoring than his steals or rebounds. After the last meeting between the two teams, he is probably hoping some of Denmon’s scoring stays in Columbia. That wasn’t the case when the Tigers came to town last season. Denmon scored 24 points after starting the game on the bench.

Getting chosen for the random extra security check before boarding the plane at the Cleveland airport was the finishing touch to one of the worst weekends EeTisha Riddle has ever had to experience.

Riddle, supported by crutches, watched Saturday as airport security rummaged through her carry-on bag and allowed herself to be patted down.

“I’m not trying to be funny,Football shirts,” Riddle said, “but why would I have liquid in my shoes?”

EeTisha Riddle, who had 12 double-doubles and had two 31-point games this season for MU, recovered from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament she suffered in high school. “It took a whole year to stop playing scared,” she said. (Missourian file photo)

The former center for the Missouri women’s basketball team was in Cleveland attending the WNBA Pre-Draft Camp. But before she even had a chance to show off her skills to coaches and general managers, Riddle injured her right knee and had to leave the camp early.

“They say my name is still on the board,” Riddle said, “but I doubt I will get drafted after something like that.”

Riddle’s draft status is unknown. Missouri coach Cindy Stein said earlier in the season that WNBA scouts were interested in Riddle and had attended some of her games. The impression the left-handed player made on the scouts during the season could still be enough to carry her through. But Riddle seemed pessimistic.

She said she had barely been on the court for 90 minutes when her team began two-on-two drills. About the third repetition, Riddle was hurt.

Riddle underwent an MRI right after the injury, and is now waiting for the swelling to go down before she receives a more accurate prognosis from a doctor.

Riddle said she was advised not to speak of the extent or type of injury, but she said she anticipates at least six to eight weeks of rehabilitation.

Her right knee was supposed to be her good knee, she said. She tore her left anterior cruciate ligament in high school. Even if she is drafted and the injury isn’t severe, Riddle said the mental game is going to be a rough one to play.

“It took a whole year to stop playing scared,” Riddle said about her first knee injury. “I played real scared. I didn’t drive to the lane at all.”

Playing in the WNBA is Riddle’s dream,Valencia shirt, even if she didn’t admit it too often to the media, fans or other players. This season, after two 31-point games, 12 double-doubles and impressive statistics, Riddle seemed to answer reporters’ questions with apathy during the season.

“The questions would come at the wrong time,Peru football shirt, and I didn’t want the focus on me,” Riddle said. “I just didn’t want the air in the locker room to be like, ‘She’s thinking about other things.’”

Riddle was adamant through the season that her personal performance meant nothing if the Tigers did not win. Riddle said she wanted everyone, fans, teammates and coaches, to understand she played for her team, not with the idea of saving herself for the possibility of professional basketball.

In a phone interview Sunday from her home in O’Fallon, Ill., Riddle’s voice was positive and strong, not wavering and quiet like it sometimes was after Missouri’s toughest losses this season.

“It’s a front,” Riddle admitted. “I’m making my mom sick. I can’t have all these people worried and stuff, so I just smile and joke around. When I get by myself, that’s when it all goes downhill.”

She said she doesn’t want people feeling sorry for her; pity is not something Riddle will accept.

Today, Riddle is once again an MU student. She said she will put her attention back on school work, which she said she has neglected with all of her recent travels for games. After all, graduation for Riddle will be May 12.

For now, the free WNBA gear will be left in a closet in O’Fallon. It’s too painful to think about that logo and it’s unsure possibilities. Riddle said the noon draft on Wednesday will be out of mind.

“I don’t think I’m going to watch it,Bordeaux shirt,” Riddle said. “I’ll just get mad. I’ll just go about my regular day, my school day. I’ll go to class and go back to sleep.”

After seven straight wins, the Columbia College men’s basketball team is ranked in the NAIA Division I poll for the first time since the preseason.

The Cougars (18-10, 7-1) learned Tuesday that they reentered the Top 25 at No. 19, the highest ranking among American Midwest Conference teams.

“It is important,” coach Bob Burchard said. “There are two ways to get in the (NAIA) national tournament. One is to win your conference tournament, the other one is to be in the top 25. Typically, all the (at-large bids) come right out of the top 25. So it’s huge.”

The Cougars, who were ranked No. 23 in preseason poll, started the season 4-7 and did not receive another vote until appearing in Tuesday’s poll.

“(The ranking) is a blessing,AS Roma shirt,” senior guard Aaron Edwards said. “From where we came from as a team to where we are now, that’s just really impressive.”

The national recognition comes days after the Cougars won at then-No. 10 McKendree 63-57.

After losing two of five, McKendree (21-6, 7-2) dropped out of the top 25.

“It just goes to show you that it’s about the end of the season,” Edwards said. “A lot of teams start out with a great pace. But it’s a long race.”

Columbia College controls its own destiny in the quest for the AMC championship. The Cougars are tied with unranked Missouri Baptist (18-8, 7-1) for the conference lead. The two teams play Feb. 24 at Missouri Baptist.

The Cougars were ranked last in an AMC pre-conference poll. The perceived slight is something that continues to motivate the Cougars.

“When I started practicing,” said junior guard Justin Falker,Peru football shirt, who was added to the roster at midseason, “(my teammates) told me that (the rankings) put us at No. 7, at the bottom, last. So we still have something to prove.

“If they started us at No. 7 and we end up at No. 5,Football shirts, then we didn’t really prove nothing. If we prove that we’re No. 1,Dortmund shirt, then they just messed up. They shouldn’t have put us No. 7 and never again should they put us at No. 7. Because we’re better than that.”

The Cougars’ next game is Thursday at Williams Baptist.

“We’re not done yet,” Edwards said. “We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing. We just come out and play hard, play scrappy every night. As long as we keep doing that, playing hard and keep being intense, we’ll be just fine.”

Burchard agreed there is work to be done before the final rankings are released March 1.

“I’m personally excited about (the ranking),” Burchard said. “But I’d be more excited about it in two weeks.”

A week before the district tournament is a bad time for a golfer to shoot his worst round in three years, but don’t tell that to Josh Brady. A day after shooting 94 in Jefferson City, Brady rebounded to lead Hickman in a 150-165 victory against Mexico on Tuesday at Lake of the Woods Golf Course.

The dual outing pitted Hickman pairings against Mexico pairings in nine holes. The five best individual scores were totaled for a team score.

Brady and teammate Kyle Kovar shot 36 to lead the individual field.

Brady was happy to be back to his regular form. Before his breakdown in Jefferson City, Brady had established himself as one of Hickman’s strongest golfers.

“I don’t know what happened (Monday),” Brady said. “I just wanted to rebound and build some confidence this time out. I know it’s going to take a few more good rounds, but all I’m really trying to do is get some good confidence going into districts.

“It was in my head last night, but I just went out and started playing good and it got a little bit better. I still didn’t feel good today, but it was a lot better than (Monday).”

Hickman coach Clark Swisher said a dual format is designed to help golfers concentrate and build confidence. He said that is what Hickman needed.

“In a dual like this, you’re only concerned with one other team,” Swisher said. “You’re focused on the course rather than wondering what 85 other guys are doing. Duals are fun because there’s not quite as much pressure. Everybody plays off each other and they play well.”

Hickman’s D.J. Chung, paired with Brady, played well but struggled on the green. Chung and Brady,Bayern Munich shirt, juniors,Football shirts, have played together all the three years at Hickman and they seem to be the Kewpies’ best chance at individual places in the district tournament May 7 in Sedalia.Chung finished with 40. His low point came on the eighth hole when he pushed a 2-foot putt and bogeyed the hole.

“D.J. will come back tomorrow with a good round,Newcastle United shirt, I guarantee it,Valencia shirt,” Brady said. “The type of guy he is, he’ll go home and work on his putting. His putting is normally awesome. I had a bad round (Monday), he had a bad round today. He’ll get over it.”

COLUMBIA The final minutes of Saturday night’s Missouri women’s basketball game was played at a frantic pace. There were full-court presses,Football shirts, turnovers, defensive stands and defensive breakdowns before Nebraska’s last-second halfcourt heave missed its mark and the Tigers escaped with a 67-66 victory.

But there might not have been a busier place at Mizzou Arena in the closing minutes than the scorers table.In the final 1:41, Missouri coach Cindy Stein made 11 substitutions. There was rarely a change of possession where the Tigers didn’t field a different lineup than they did on the one before.

Juniors Marissa Scott and and Toy Richbow spent the most time jogging from the bench to the scorers table. They were subbed in on defensive possessions while junior Jessra Johnson and redshirt freshman Bekah Mills were subbed in when the Tigers had the ball.

Stein said she made so many substitutions for a number of reasons but primarily because of Scott’s versatility,Glasgow Rangers shirt, which enabled the Tigers to put more defensive pressure on the Cornhuskers in the final possessions.

“Marissa can guard anybody on the floor whether it’s a post or a guard,” Stein said. “They’re (Scott and Richbow) very effective in the halfcourt going off on-ball screens, so obviously having her (Scott) play that position so we can switch on them was going to be critical.”

Stein said junior forward Jessra Johnson’s four fouls also played a role in her late-game decision making. She said Johnson’s ability to inbound the ball against a press, which Nebraska used for most of the game, made it crucial that she not foul out. Limiting her defensive possessions prevented that from happening.

Stein admitted changing her lineup so frequently risked ruining her team’s rhythm, and the Tigers hardly finished the game flawlessly. They committed five turnovers in the final 2:23, giving Nebraska a chance to win. But Stein said her reserves were not responsible for that.

“I thought our subs provided good energy,” Stein said.

Even if the substitutions had caused some confusion on Missouri’s side, it also served to manufacture some miscues for the Cornhuskers when they were setting up their press.

“I actually thought their substitutions bothered us a little bit,” Nebraska coach Connie Yori said. “We didn’t get matched-up obviously a few times,Fulham shirt, and they threw it over the top of us some.”

The victory improved the Tigers’ record to 10-6 and 1-2 in Big 12 play. Nebraska fell to 9-7 and 0-3.

Greg Swenson and other members of the St. Louis-based Gateway Kite Club met halfway with members of the Kansas City Kite Club for the One Sky-One World festival Sunday at Cosmo-Bethel Park. (STEVE ENGLISH/Missourian)

Colors and creatures transformed a pale blue sky on Sunday into an array of mystery and intrigue.

A pterodactyl striped in black, purple and white flew at the mercy of the wind, appearing as if it were swooping down to snatch its escaping prey.

Across the field, a large white, fluid kite advanced across the sky like an amoeba above a sea of peering eyes.

The One Sky-One World kite flying festival attracted these and other unique kites from across Missouri. With approximately 30 owners controlling the strings, each creature established its territory at Cosmo-Bethel Park to participate in the worldwide kite flying event. In addition to the kiters, about two dozen people from the community stopped by throughout the day to take in the sights.

More than 30 nations took part in this event on Sunday, which began 20 years ago as an attempt to promote global unity. Earlier this year, the Gateway Kite Club of St. Louis and the Kansas City Kite Club decided to join one another for the event at a central location. Columbia seemed like the perfect fit.

Roy White, 73, says he would like to see more young people take up the sport of kiting. (CAROLIN BURRER/Missourian)

��We thought it would be very appropriate for an event that emphasizes unity to meet halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis,�� said Linda Larkey, secretary for the Kansas City Kite Club.

Larkey said that the sport of kiting is growing and gaining popularity worldwide because of its capacity to attract a variety of people. The ages of kite fliers from the Kansas City Kite Club ranged from 6 to 45 on Sunday.

��It doesn��t matter what your style is, there is something that can appeal to you,Manchester City shirt,�� Larkey said.

Kiting has traditionally been more popular in Europe than in the United States,Football shirts, Larkey said. However, kiting clubs are popping up all around the country in recent years. There are currently 113 kite clubs nationwide, with over one-third of those being along the Eastern coast where the winds are much more steady. Though the Midwest winds are fitful,Bayern Munich shirt, more forceful and harder to predict, interest in kiting among people throughout Missouri is also beginning to rise.

Larkey compared kiting to golf.

��People who play golf talk about their friends who play, the outdoors and the fitness they receive,�� she said. ��It��s the same with kiting. Kiting is an extraordinary sport because of the people.��

Jim and Norine Bailey of Columbia were hooked one Saturday afternoon in 1994. After watching two men fly kites in a park, the Baileys decided to purchase a kite of their own. They returned to the park late in the afternoon and flew their kite until dark.

��What is great about it is that you can do it yourself, you can do it with others, or you can do it with family,�� Norine Bailey said.

Now the Baileys have 36 kites of all sizes and weights to compensate for the different wind speeds they encounter.

Jim Bailey, 61, said that it has amazed him how kites have changed since he flew them as a child. He said that the paper kites that he once enjoyed are disappearing in favor of newer ones made of ripstop nylon.

��We flew when we were young,�� he said. ��It just wasn��t as sophisticated as it is now.��

An inability to attract younger generations, however,Ajax shirt, is a concern for 73-year-old and veteran kite flier Roy White.

��It��s a great hobby, but we can��t grab any kids�� he said. ��They love to play with it, but then they get tired of it and put it down.��

After having flown kites as a small child, White picked the hobby back up 20 years ago. He and his partner Leona Murry spend hours designing, making and flying their kites.

��When I see a picture of a kite, I��ve got to have one,�� said White with a smirk on his face.

His fire-engine red mini-van sat parked in the open field, each seat stacked with ripstop, spars and string, the material needed to create a kite.

When asked what intrigues him about flying kites, White said, ��Who cares as long as you are having fun.��

A few minutes later his kite hits the ground defeated. Succumbing to its strings and the wind, it lay motionless, now at the mercy of a child who irreverently snatches it up trying to give it a boost back into the wind��s gusts.

Each kite has a personality, a unique character. On Sunday, each had its moment to show off.

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols has a daughter with Down syndrome, and the St. Louis Cardinals’ annual “buddy walk” game always seems to bring out his best.

Children with Down syndrome circled the field in pregame ceremonies, and then stood with players at their positions during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a few asked him to hit a home run for them.

He then hit home runs in his first three at-bats, honoring Isabella Pujols and all special needs children in a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

“It’s always good to do something special for those kids, but I don’t try to put pressure on myself,” Pujols said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re there or not. I’m just going to try the best I can to help my team to win.”

Since Pujols became spokesman for the “buddy walk” games in 2002, he’s 9-for-20 with five home runs, nine RBIs and seven runs scored while the Cardinals have gone 4-1.

“If that’s the case,” he said, “we need to bring those kids more often.”

Pirates pitcher Ian Snell said he had to laugh after Pujols’ third straight home run off him. He also said he felt like giving last year’s NL MVP a high-five.

“I mean, that’s unreal,” Snell said. “That’s like Superman playing baseball.”

Pujols connected with the bases empty in the first, and hit two-run drives in the third and fifth, all at Snell’s expense (12-9). Pujols is 4-for-6 with four home runs and seven RBIs against Snell, and with 42 home runs reached the 40-mark for the fourth straight season. It was his third three-home run game and his second of the season.

Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard hit home runs in his first three at-bats in a doubleheader opener against Atlanta. It was the first time two players hit home runs three times on the same day since Pujols and Cleveland’s Travis Hafner did it on July 20, 2004. It was the first time a pair did it in the first three plate appearances since Cincinnati’s Johnny Bench and Atlanta’s Orlando Cepeda, a pair of Hall of Famers, on July 26,Football shirts, 1970.

Pujols missed a bid for a fourth home run in the seventh with a drive to left off Brian Rogers that was caught by Jason Bay just shy of the warning track, protesting afterward that he never tries for the long ball.

“Was I trying to hit the first one, the second one, the third one?” Pujols said. “No, I just try to have good at-bats. Like I say, it’s not about me, it’s about my team.”

Many fans stood during the at-bat and gave Pujols an ovation as he trotted back to the dugout. Prodded by teammates, Pujols rewarded a sellout crowd with curtain calls after his second and third home runs.

“He’s such a hungry hitter, he’s always got a chance,” manager Tony La Russa said. “He just got under it a little bit against a pitcher he’s never seen before.”

Pujols, who also hit home runs three times against Cincinnati on April 16, entered in an 8-for-38 slump with only two-extra base hits in 10 games since hitting home runs twice and driving in a career-best seven runs on Aug. 22 at New York. He has been hampered somewhat by elbow soreness, though he has not missed any games.

Pujols scored his 100th run on the third home run, giving him 100 or more in each of his six seasons. He is the only player in major league history to hit 30 home runs,Celtic shirt, score 100 runs and bat .300 in his first five seasons,Glasgow Rangers shirt, and he is batting .321 this year.

The previous player to hit three home runs off the Pirates was Vinny Castilla of the Astros, on July 28, 2001, in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.

Anthony Reyes (5-6), retooled from a brief demotion to the minors, struck out the side in the first, fanned a career-high nine and allowed four hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings. A 24-year-old rookie, he was optioned to Triple-A Memphis after giving up five runs in 3 1/3 innings against Cincinnati on Aug. 16. He returned to emphasizing his fastball in the minors, striking out 17 in 13 scoreless innings over two starts, and is taking injured Mark Mulder’s spot in the rotation.

“He’s pitched really well in several of his starts, but this was a big one,” La Russa said. “This is September now, the end is in sight.”

St. Louis completed a 7-2 homestand by taking two of three from the Pirates, who swept them earlier this month in Pittsburgh. The Cardinals won the season series 9-6.

Snell, who had won three of his previous four starts, lasted five innings. He gave up five runs ands seven hits with seven strikeouts in five innings. He has allowed 25 home runs and joked that Pujols’ third home run “was going to hit the Arch.”

“This is not going to rattle my confidence for the rest of the year,” Snell said. “But today was a struggle with one guy and it cost me big-time.”

Ronny Paulino,Newcastle United shirt, Ryan Doumit and Jose Castillo drove in runs in the ninth for Pittsburgh.

AMES, Iowa Dedication is difficult to find for a team thats 2-8 and hasnt won a conference game. When temperatures are below freezing,Porto shirt, even the biggest fans might elect to stay home.

But for the fans who showed up at Jack Trice Stadium, cold weather and bad football are just November expectations that come with supporting their Iowa State Cyclones.

“Our record and school spirit (keeps us coming),” Joel Weiler said with a smile. “You have to be positive, its Iowa State.”

Weilers referring to the Cyclones habit of either failing to find success or failing to meet expectations. In 2001, for example, Iowa States mens basketball team earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, but was sent packing by Hampton in its first game.

Just another day in the life of a Cyclone fan.

“We arent meant to be good,” Alex Walters said. “We like to set new lows. You can always count on Iowa State to let you down. If theyre ever ranked No. 1, Ill pick the 16 every time.”

But its the college football experience that keeps fans coming, even if they know the home team is likely overmatched. Mark Hargrafen didnt hesitate when describing the Cyclones as a horrible team, but hes more than willing to make the 22-mile drive from his home in Ankeny, Iowa.

Plus, theres a chance for a surprise. Two years ago, Hargrafen and his friends saw Dan McCarney end his Cyclone coaching career with an upset of Missouri.

“The college football environments 30 minutes away from where we live,” Hargrafen said. “Last year, we did (go to every game).”

TIGER DEDICATION: Nobody could question the dedication of Missouri fans Mark and Frank Barhorst, who followed the Tigers to Ames on Saturday. For this game, Frank Barhorst came from Bethesda, Md., and Mark Barhorst was attending his 11th Missouri football game of the season.

“We just enjoy it,” Mark Barhorst said. “We enjoy college football.”

Mark and Frank Barhorst were the only two family members there for this game, but thats not the case for Columbia games.

“At home games, the whole family shows up, and friends,” Mark Barhorst said. “We all tailgate.”

SIGN OF RESPECT: In Greco-Roman wrestling, its a time-honored tradition for a wrestler to leave his shoes on the mat after the final match of his career, signifying his retirement.

At Iowa State, the band members do the same thing, leaving their shoes on the field at their last home game. They then walk off the field in their socks, playing the schools fight song.

So Heidi Longnecker and Jenny Newell decided to honor the band members, specifically Andrew Cinnamon, by taking off their shoes in the parking lot and walking back to their tailgate in their socks.

“Hes a senior, hell be doing this today,” Longnecker said of Cinnamon. “Hes tailgated with us, so we just did a demonstration around our tailgate.”

“Here we are, for Andrew,Santos shirt!” Newell added.

Well, for a few minutes. Shortly after their tribute, Longnecker and Newell put their shoes back on for warmth.

WARMTH ANY WAY POSSIBLE: The tailgating staples of burnt hot dogs and cheeseburgers were evident on the grill at Cayla Kochs tailgate.

Right above them were Kochs hands, as she tried to do whatever she could to stay warm.

“I thought there would be heaters in the Port-A-Pottys, and there wasnt,” Koch said.

Koch added that she thought anyone there without a coat was insane, and she thought Ames restaurants should provide more free food.

CONFERENCE PREDICTOR: Iowa State fan Alex Jakobs says he only makes predictions when he feels confident. Missouri fans would hope that his confidence is misplaced.

“Missouri is going to win this game,” Jakobs said before kickoff. “Theyre going to the Big 12 Championship, and theyre going to get their (butts) kicked by whoevers in the Big 12 South. I think Oklahoma and Texas Tech are by far the best teams.”

SOUNDS OF VICTORY?: A bell sits outside Jack Trice Stadium, designed to be rung whenever the Cyclones win a football game.

With Iowa States record, the bell doesnt get much use for its intended purpose,Football shirts, but Cyclone fans still give it a ring.

“People want to ring it all the time, but its supposed to be rung after the game,” Weiler said. “Usually, its a win, when people are walking out.”

When it is used for a Cyclone win, young kids are usually the first to start the sound of victory, according to Walters.

ONE-WOMAN ENTHUSIASM: Vickie Daniel, mother of quarterback Chase Daniel, made sure the Tiger players received a warm welcome when coming off the bus.

But in the line to greet the players, she was one of the only ones who could clearly be heard.

“Why arent people cheering?” Daniel asked. “Everybodys so quiet.”

Daniel saved her biggest greeting for her son, whom she affectionately called “Chaser.”

“Have fun out there,” she said with a kiss.

The Hickman girls basketball team defeated Cor Jesu Academy 60-30 in the first round of the Ameritime High School Girls Basketball Invitational.

The tournament is being held at Maloney Arena,Fulham shirt, which is on the campus of Maryville University in St. Louis.

With the win,Lazio shirt, the Kewpies improved to 18-1 on the season.

Junior Yvonne Anderson finished with a game-high 26 points. Senior Lauren Nolke contributed 16 points.

The Kewpies will play the winner of the St. Joseph’s-Lutheran South game at 8:30 tonight in the second round of the tournament.