Dec. 8, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - Freshman Linas Kleiza has made an immediate impact for the Tigers so far this season averaging 10.3 points and a Big 12-best 11.3 rebounds per game after this weekend's action. He was rewarded for his outstanding work last week earning Big 12 Rookie of the Week honors for the first time in his young career, it was announced by conference officials on Monday.

Kleiza had a huge week for Mizzou averaging 10.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in two Mizzou wins. The Kaunas, Lithuania native recorded his second career double-double (in only three career games played) against Indiana with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Ten of his points and seven of his rebounds were registered in the second half as the Tigers came back from 14 points down to win 63-58.

The 6-9, 245 lb. forward sparked a Tiger comeback on Tuesday against Coppin State. With Missouri down seven points in the second half, Kleiza went to the basket and made a huge dunk sparking a 35-19 run as Mizzou grabbed a 70-61 win over the Eagles.

Mizzou received more good news on Monday afternoon, moving up to a season-best No.3 spot in the Associated Press Poll. It is the highest a Mizzou squad has been ranked since the 2001-02 season when the Tigers were ranked No. 2 for two weeks. The Tigers now prepare to face No. 17 Gonzaga in the "Battle for Seattle" on Saturday with tip set for 1 p.m. CST. For more information on Mizzou basketball, log on to the home for Mizzou athletics on the web, www.mutigers.com

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