Missouri to rely on aggressive defense vs. Houston Christian

Missouri will conclude the team-building portion of its schedule Saturday when it hosts Houston Christian in Columbia, Mo.

The Tigers (6-0) opened with seven games at Mizzou Arena against mid- and low-major opponents, allowing first-year coach Dennis Gates to implement his system and instill program principles.

"I give my guys all the freedom in the world offensively," Gates said. "They have no freedom defensively."

Ga