Bucknell’s upset bid at Missouri stops at the end line

Some teams win at the free throw line. Others win behind the 3-point line. Every now and then Missouri seems to win a game on the end line.

The 12th ranked Tigers were in jeopardy in the final seconds Saturday leading by one point at home against Bucknell when 6-foot-11 Bison's center Mike Muscala received a pass with his foot touching the end line and 4.1 seconds left in the game. The turnover gave Missouri the ball.

It's the second time in four years Missouri has won a game because of an opponent's misstep on on the boundaries in the waning moments. Marquette forward Lazar Hayward’s toe crossed the line as he attempted to make an inbounds pass in an NCAA tournament second-round game in Boise in 2009 helping propel the Tigers into the Sweet 16.

It was a difficult way for Muscala's day to end against the Tigers. He played an integral role in giving his team a chance to end the Tigers' 70-plus game home-court winning streak against nonconference competition.

Muscala had 25 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a shoe one size too big.

Missouri point guard Phil Pressey produced a career high 26 points in leading the Tigers to their 11th win. It wasn't a particularly efficient performance from Pressey, who made 10 of 22 shots, but he has been the driving force for the Tigers of late.

Missouri begins its first run through the SEC on Tuesday when Alabama visits Mizzou Arena.

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