Missouri Tigers Earn NCAA Tournament Bid

Mizzou's dynamic duo of Trent Burns and Shawn Phillips lead team to March Madness

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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The University of Missouri men's basketball team has earned a bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking the Tigers' return to the Big Dance after a several-year absence. Led by the imposing frontcourt duo of Trent Burns and Shawn Phillips, Mizzou has continued to improve throughout the season and is poised to make some noise in the tournament.

Why it matters

Mizzou's return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant milestone for the program, as the Tigers look to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the highly competitive world of college basketball. The team's strong performance this season has energized the fan base and generated excitement for the upcoming tournament.

The details

Burns and Phillips have been the driving force behind Mizzou's success this season, providing a dominant presence in the paint and leading the team in scoring and rebounding. The Tigers' improved play has been a result of their hard work and dedication, as well as the guidance of head coach Mike Anderson, who has instilled a winning mentality in the team.

  • Mizzou earned its NCAA Tournament bid on February 28, 2026.
  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 18, 2026.

The players

Trent Burns

A junior forward for the Missouri Tigers, Trent Burns has emerged as one of the team's most valuable players, leading the squad in scoring and rebounding.

Shawn Phillips

A senior center for the Missouri Tigers, Shawn Phillips has formed a formidable frontcourt duo with Trent Burns, providing a dominant presence in the paint and anchoring the team's defense.

Mike Anderson

The head coach of the Missouri Tigers, Mike Anderson has guided the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in several years, instilling a winning mentality and helping the players reach their full potential.

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What they’re saying

“We've been working hard all season to get to this point, and I'm so proud of the team for their dedication and commitment. Now, it's time to go out there and show the country what Mizzou basketball is all about.”

— Trent Burns, Junior Forward

“This is a dream come true for us, and we're not going to take it for granted. We're going to leave it all on the court and give it our all in the tournament.”

— Shawn Phillips, Senior Center

What’s next

The Missouri Tigers will find out their seeding and opponent in the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Mizzou's return to the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, and it has reignited the passion of the Tigers' loyal fan base. The team's success this season has set the stage for a potentially deep tournament run, which could further solidify the program's status as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.