Part 3/7:
One of the brightest stars in this victory was none other than Tamar Bates, a Kansas City local who had a personal stake in the outcome. His connection to the rivalry transcended mere competition. Bates wanted to ensure that his home state would recognize Missouri as a force in college basketball.
“Tamar, you told Fran yesterday what was going to happen,” the commentators noted, highlighting his pre-game confidence. For Bates and his teammates, it was about more than just beating Kansas; it was about validating their hard work and dedication. They had faced disappointment against Kansas in previous seasons, making this victory even sweeter.