Mar 9, 2011; Kansas, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mike Dixon (11) takes a shot against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard John Roberson (21) during the second half in the first round of the 2011 Big 12 mens basketball tournament at the Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D Smith-US PRESSWIRE
R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Everybody wants to start. Being one of the nation's top sixth men on one of the country's top teams is pretty good, too.
Junior guard Michael Dixon has come off the bench all year for No. 4 Missouri, and it hasn't prevented him from being a major contributor. He's averaging 12.3 points, best in the nation among players who have no starts. He figures to have a major say in Saturday's high-profile matchup against No. 6 Baylor.
Dixon hit the game-winning layup in a one-point victory at Texas this month and his 30-point effort against William & Mary was the school's best by a reserve since 1989. He's scored in double figures in 10 of the last 14 games, and is Missouri's career leading free throw shooter at 85 percent.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)