Jan. 11, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - Brackets have been released for the NWCA National Duals Jan. 14-15 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, revealing that the No. 9 Tigers will face off against No. 18 Arizona State when competition begins at 9 a.m. CST.

The Sun Devils present a tough first-round opponent for Missouri, boasting five starters ranked among the top 11 wrestlers in their respective weight class. This will be third meeting all-time between the schools, with each team getting a win in the two previous matchups. Head Coach Brian Smith is 0-1 against Arizona State, losing a close dual by two points, 19-17, at the NWCA National Duals during the 2002-03 season.

Seeded eighth among a 16-team field that includes 15 teams ranked in the top 25, a victory over the Sun Devils will likely pit Missouri in a second-round dual against No. 1 seed and three-time defending national champion Oklahoma State.

A matchup against the Cowboys would provide a preview of the Tigers' Big 12 opener Jan. 22 in the Hearnes Center, when the first two competitors will shake hands at 2 p.m. CST. f