K-State Kicks Off Exhibition Play at Missouri Friday Night
Kansas State University (K-State) is set to commence its exhibition basketball season against the University of Missouri on Friday, October 24, 2025. The exhibition game will tip off at 9 p.m. CT at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. This matchup marks a significant reunion between these former conference rivals, who have faced each other 237 times from 1907 to 2018 mainly in various collegiate conferences.
K-State vs. Missouri: A Historic Encounter
This game will be the first exhibition contest between K-State and Missouri since their conference rivalry ceased in 2012. K-State leads the all-time series with a record of 75-21, which includes an impressive 58-9 record at home. The Wildcats have also achieved a 52-9 record against the Tigers at Bramlage Coliseum.
- Exhibition History: K-State has primarily played Division II teams in exhibition games, dominating with a 75-21 record since 1964.
- Last Regular Season Matchup: K-State last faced Missouri on February 21, 2012, winning 78-68 at Mizzou Arena.
Recent Performances
The Wildcats will aim for their first-ever exhibition victory over Missouri. They hold a historical advantage in previously played matches, having won their last five encounters in regular-season play. With their most recent victory in 2018 at the Paradise Jam, K-State looks to maintain momentum from their prior successes.
Team Previews
K-State Wildcats
K-State is under the guidance of head coach Jerome Tang, who has led the team to a 61-42 record in his fourth year at the helm. The Wildcats’ exhibition history includes such matches as a victory against Missouri State on October 21, 2017. Their success at Bramlage Coliseum is highlighted by a 30-game winning streak in exhibition matches.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri, led by coach Dennis Gates in his fourth season, is coming off a successful 2025-26 campaign that included 22 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Tigers will feature six returning players from last season and have bolstered their squad with several newcomers.
- Key Players:
- Mark Mitchell: Leading scorer with 13.9 points per game.
- Anthony Robinson II: Team assist leader with 3.5 assists per game.
- Trent Pierce: Strong contributor with an average of 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds.
- New Additions: Missouri welcomed several transfers, enhancing their size and scoring capabilities.
Game Coverage and Broadcast Information
The exhibition game will be available to view on SEC Network, with play-by-play commentary by Kevin Fitzgerald and analysis by Tim Welsh. Radio fans can catch the action live on the K-State Sports Network.
Looking Ahead
This electrifying matchup will not only serve as a historical encounter but also as a precursor to K-State’s upcoming exhibition game against Newman University on October 31, 2025. As K-State looks to build on its successful exhibition tradition, both teams will be eager to impress their fans.
