Missouri coach Dennis Gates knows a game against Kansas is never just another nonconference clash.

His Tigers (8-1) will travel to Kansas City on Sunday afternoon to play the No. 21 Jayhawks (6-3).

Kansas and Missouri were rivals for decades until Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012.

Gates took over the Tigers in 2022 and lost his first two games to Kansas before winning 76-67 last season.

Norm Stewart, who coached Missouri for 32 years (1967-99), had let Gates know the importance of that win.

"You're not a head coach here unless you beat Kansas," Gates told the Kansas City Star. "That's what he said."

The six-year contract for the Border War ends next season. The rivalry was renewed in 2021-22 after the schools had not met in 10 years. Gates wants it extended.

"No game has

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