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Posted on Fri, Feb. 17, 2012 09:38 PM
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MU’s record-breaking senior class focuses on next goal

Updated: 2012-02-18T04:26:47Z
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Fresh off a record-setting victory Wednesday night, Kim English and his teammates really didn’t have much time for sentiment.

Missouri’s 83-65 win over Oklahoma State was the 101st in the college careers of English and fellow seniors Marcus Denmon, Jarrett Sutton and Steve Moore, setting a program record for victories by a senior class.

But this team, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, is focused on only one thing — getting the next win.

“We’re stuck on the process,” English said, using one of his favorite terms. “You’re going to get some product goals along the way if you really consume yourself in getting better every single day. So I guess that’s a testament to us just getting lost in preparation every week, especially this season.”

With that, English reemphasized the importance of the Tigers’ 1 p.m. game Saturday against Texas A&M. Missouri, 24-2 overall and 11-2 in the Big 12, is the clear favorite after handling the Aggies a 70-51 defeat in Columbia on Jan. 16, but you don’t have to worry about the Tigers getting overconfident.

For all Missouri’s seniors have accomplished, they have never won at Texas A&M’s Reed Arena, as last year’s 91-89 overtime loss marked the third consecutive time the Tigers have gone down in College Station.

Throw in the fact Texas A&M has some talent — the Aggies were picked by the coaches in the preseason to win the conference — and you have a team to worry about, despite a middling 13-12 overall record and a 4-9 record in Big 12 games.

“They’re big, they’re physical and they’re athletic,” MU coach Frank Haith said. “We played well against them here but I know they are going to attack us in the paint, so we’re gonna have to be ready to defend.”

The Aggies have been dealing with injuries, but appear to be on the mend. Junior forward Khris Middleton is a scorer with knee problems who recently returned, while Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy said senior guard Dash Harris — who has missed the last six games because of an injured foot — might play.

“They’ll be at full force,” Haith said.

Good thing Haith has a team that, for the most part, listens when he stresses the importance of focusing on the next goal.

“I think they just repeat what I say,” Haith said, joking.

The Tigers did again after Wednesday’s win — to a point, at least. After English spoke, Denmon said he and his teammates were focused on the Aggies, but also said he would enjoy the senior class’ accomplishment after the season is over.

“How could I not,” Denmon asked.

He noted that junior guard Michael Dixon might have a chance next year. But Dixon’s class trails the seniors by 31 victories.

“Mike may have a chance,” Denmon said. “But if not, it will be a while before somebody can do it again.”

That, however, is a big picture type of thing. And as you already guessed, well, these Tigers rarely let those things interfere with short-term goals.

“We understand you’ve got to take it one step at a time,” Denmon said. “If you don’t do the day-by-day thing, there is no big picture.”

To reach Terez A. Paylor, call 816-234-4489 or send email to tpaylor@kcstar.com. Follow him at twitter.com/TerezPaylor.

Posted on Fri, Feb. 17, 2012 09:38 PM
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