Missouri hopes to end three-game slide vs. Central Arkansas

(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
Missouri will try to put a positive ending to a disappointing nonconference season Saturday when it hosts Central Arkansas in Columbia, Mo.

The Tigers (7-5) return home after suffering a 97-73 loss to then-No. 13 Illinois on Dec. 22 in St. Louis. The Bears (3-11) visit on the heels of an 88-72 loss at No. 12 Oklahoma Thursday.

Missouri coach Dennis Gates hopes the holiday