Mike Anderson Is Pulling For Frank Haith And Missouri Tigers In 2012

Even though Mike Anderson has left his position as the head coach of the men's basketball team at Missouri for Arkansas, it's clear that he not only holds fond memories of his five season as Mizzou's coach, but he's also still rooting for them. The Tigers have taken off under new head coach Frank Haith, who came over from the University of Miami (Fl.), and Anderson is still referring to the Tigers with personal pronouns and pronouncements of hope. In fact, he says that he and Haith were old pals who were together when Haith was hired.

"People realize that we're friends and buddies," Anderson said. "When he got the call we were together, so it goes deeper than a lot of people think. When I went to Missouri, the program was at a certain level. I think I did my job because they were able to bring someone else in and the program is now one of the best in the country. I had the program where we wanted it."

Now as the Tigers are a potential No. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament, he's rooting for his former recruits and players.

"Those kids are part of my family. They will be for the rest of my life," Anderson said. "Obviously they were hurt and even when you talk about some of the fans. Why? When I got there, there was not a lot of empathy about the program. Now there are feelings about it and I understand that. But I'm so excited for those guys. They're going to do great things."

Anderson has the Arkansas Razorbacks at 17-10 and possibly headed for a tournament bid of their own. It could be interesting if the teams face each other but especially next year when Mizzou joins the SEC.

Missouri Basketball Winning With Big Performances And Consistency

While each game brings out a new star for the Tigers, Missouri has played at a high level consistently this season, which is the main reason for its 25-2 record.

2012 Big 12 Standings: Kansas, Missouri Still On Top

The Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks are still on top of the Big 12 standings and barring an upset early this week will meet on Saturday February 25 to decide the Big 12 regular season title. Missouri can't overlook its Tuesday matchup against Kansas State who just scored an upset victory over third place Baylor.

The Jayhawks will take on Texas A&M on Wednesday before keying up for the big matchup against the Tigers at the Phog. Missouri has won seven straight games while Kansas has won four straight.

For more on Big 12 basketball be sure to check out Big 12 Hoops. For more college basketball news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's College Basketball page.

Missouri Vs. Texas A&M Final Score: Tigers Hold Off Aggies To Win 71-62

The Missouri Tigers held off two second half runs by the Texas A&M Aggies to win 71-62. In the second half Texas A&M was able to cut the Missouri lead 34-32 early in the second half, but Missouri went on a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 10 points.

Missouri Vs. Texas A&M Halftime Update: Tigers Lead Aggies 31-24 On The Road

The Missouri Tigers are shooting 52% from the field and have been lead by Phil Pressey's 12 points as Frank Haith's squad leads the Texas A&M Aggies 31-24 on the road in College Station.

The Tigers have also done an excellent job of crashing the boards, as Missouri is out-rebounding Texas A&M 14-8 thus far in the first half. Ricardo Ratliffe and Marcus Denmon are the leading rebounders in the game with a combined 9 for the Tigers.

Texas A&M has been lead by Jordan Green's 8 points in the first half, as the Aggies have struggled with foul trouble along with getting to the line. The Aggies have attempted just two free throws in the first half, compared to eight attempts for the Tigers.

For more on the Missouri Tigers, be sure to check out Rock M Nation, and for Texas A&M news, head over to I Am The 12th Man. All your basketball needs can be met - and more! - at SB Nation's college basketball page.

Missouri Vs. Texas A&M: Game Time, TV Schedule

Missouri begins the final stretch of Big 12 play in College Station on Saturday against Texas A&M, where the Tigers haven't won in over a decade.