Missouri braces for nonconference test vs. Memphis

(Photo credit: Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK)Missouri coach Dennis Gates wanted to give his players a tougher nonconference challenge to test them early during his second year with the Tigers.

"There's a lot of great teams, great coaches that we face," Gates said.

That process begins Friday when Missouri (1-0) hosts Memphis (1-0) at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

Memphis finished 26-9 last season