Missouri vs. Bucknell preview: Tigers to host Bison Saturday

Unable to slide past UCLA in their previous game, the Missouri Tigers will hit the court for the first time in 2013 on Saturday afternoon against the Bucknell Bison in Columbia.

Set to mark their last non-conference game of the season, the Tigers have one final opportunity to iron out any issues before kicking off their SEC schedule against Alabama on Jan. 8. Missouri picked up a whopping 19 assists from star point guard Phil Pressey in a heart-breaking loss to the Bruins, but the junior floor general has only hit 26.8% of his field goals over his last five games and continues to struggle with his shot.

Bucknell enters Saturday's game with victories against Purdue, Kent State and George Mason to its credit thus far in 2012-13, and will once again look to rely on senior forward Mike Muscala. The 6'11", 234-pound Muscala is on pace to set career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks with conference play looming large, and may be Bucknell's only hope to keep Haith's relentless attack off balance.

When: Saturday, Jan. 5

Where: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Mo.

Game Time: 3 p.m. CT

TV channel: Watch ESPN