Oct. 18, 2000

Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's basketball team was picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 Conference Championship in a preseason poll voted on by conference coaches today.

The Tigers received 52 votes to earn their eight-place ranking. Iowa State garnered 113 votes to be predicted to win the conference, while Oklahoma and Texas Tech followed in close pursuit with 109 and 104 votes, respectively.

Also posting honors, 1999-2000 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Amanda Lassiter was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team.

Missouri rounded out the 1999-2000 season with an 18-12 record and a 7-9 league mark for a seventh-place finish. They also made their Women's National Invitational Tournament debut defeating Evansville 84-81 in an overtime match to record their first post-season victory since 1985. The Tigers return three starters and eight letterwinners to this year's squad.

The Tigers begin the 2000-2001 season at home on Thurs., Nov. 2 when they host the Basketball Travelers in an exhibition game at 7:00 p.m. The game is open to the public. Season tickets are still available. For information please call 1-800-CAT PAWS or 884-7297.