(AP) -- No. 10 Missouri heads into its first SEC game battle tested and then some.
 
A 2-point decision over Bucknell, an overtime loss at UCLA and a neutral-site victory over Illinois have all helped the Tigers (11-2) prepare for Tuesday night's game against Alabama (8-5).
 
Missouri trailed at halftime and got outrebounded for the first time all season in their close call against Bucknell on Saturday before winning their 73rd consecutive non-conference home game.

Coach Frank Haith is counting on such tests to toughen the roster now that the competition figures to step up on a consistent basis.
 
Alabama had lost five of six overall before beating Oakland 65-45 on Saturday to snap a three-game home losing streak.

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