Jan. 4, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - Columbia, Mo. - Outstanding cooperation between the University of Missouri, ESPN Regional and the Big 12 Conference has allowed Mizzou's Big 12 Conference opener against Oklahoma State to be carried live on the Mizzou Sports Network, Saturday (Jan. 7) at 7:05 p.m.

Concerns regarding television availability were raised late last week once it was known that the Kansas State at Iowa State men's basketball contest (also slated for 7 p.m.) was selected by the Big 12 as part of its television package, but officials from the Conference Office and ESPN Regional have agreed to an exemption for the game.

"We would like to thank Pete Derzis and our television partners at ESPN Regional for allowing this game to remain part of the Mizzou Sports Network television package," Senior Associate Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said. "The Big 12 Conference and ESPN Regional went to great lengths to keep this game on the air and I know our fans across Missouri and the country appreciate their efforts as well."

Saturday's contest will be the Big 12-opener for both clubs and will be carried live at 7:05 p.m. on Fox Sports Midwest in St. Louis, Metro Sports in Kansas City and KOMU in Columbia.

The game will also mark Missouri's 14th appearance on television this season. KOMU's Chris Gervino and former Tiger standout Jon Sundvold are scheduled to call the action as Mizzou looks for its fourth win in six tries against Eddie Sutton and the Cowboys.

Although it will be carried live on MSN, a select number of tickets remain for Saturday's contest and can be purchased by calling 1-800-CAT PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia), online at mutigers.com or in person at the Mizzou Arena Ticket Office.