It was by all accounts a successful afternoon at Mizzou Arena Saturday.
The Tigers found a way to rally past SEC foe Tennessee to a 75-64 victory. Not only was the win itself impressive, but Mizzou had 3 players in double figures finally snapping a 9 game losing streak.
FINAL. #Mizzou 75, Tennessee 64. #RallyForRhyan pic.twitter.com/0jiGZMTXJS
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) February 13, 2016
More importantly however, the Tigers biggest win had nothing at all to do with basketball. Saturday's game also doubled as a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.
ICYMI, #Mizzou raised more than $50,000 for pediatric cancer research at Saturday's #RallyForRhyan Game! ?? #MIZhttps://t.co/hZviZXusIh
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) February 15, 2016
Assistant Coach Brad Loos' 5-year-old daughter Rhyan suffers from stage 4 neuroblastoma, a nerve cell cancer.
Late last month, the Missouri Athletic Department announced that anyone making a donation to Saturday's game would be admitted.
The Tigers played in front of the largest crowd ever at Mizzou Arena. 10,536 witnessed the win from the stands, raising over $50,000 total for pediatric cancer research.
#RallyForRhyan t-shirt proceeds and cash donations = ?5??0??0??0??0??
Thank you, fans! #MIZ pic.twitter.com/4usW35Vx3h
— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) February 13, 2016
No one should have to battle cancer, especially a 5-year-old, but one thing that was evident to young Rhyan was the outpouring of love and support she and her family received from people that she's never even met.
On March 1, the Tigers will play their second to last game at LSU, and their thoughts and prayers will be with the Loos family as Rhyan prepares to have a tumor removed the following day.
The truth is it really doesn't matter if Mizzou wins the game, because with the success the Tigers have experienced this weekend, the Tigers have already scored one of their greatest victories ever.
#Mizzou's squad presented the game ball to Rhyan Loos after today's win. ?? #RallyForRhyan pic.twitter.com/OoSB8OeTLH
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) February 13, 2016
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Dee Jackson can be reached at dee.jackson@kshb.com.
