Kansas vs. Missouri: Insane Clash Proves Axing Border War Is Lame Idea

When the Missouri Tigers decided to switch from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference this coming July, the Border War between the Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks was likely going to come to an end.

After today's epic clash between the two teams, many will fight for the rivalry to live on in the form of the Border War, even if the teams are playing in different conferences.

The No. 3 Tigers have been playing some strong basketball heading into the college basketball postseason, and while the Jayhawks have been hovering around at No. 5, they just haven't been looking as strong as they have in the past.

Today though, they prevailed in what was a huge game for the team, as well as a statement to their departing rivals.

The Tigers had a 19-point lead in the second half of the game, but they fell apart as the Jayhawks refused to let down their fans at the Allen Fieldhouse.

Down by three with just seconds left in the game, Thomas Robinson converted on a three-point play that took the game into overtime. 

After making such a comeback, the Jayhawks were not going to let up, but the Tigers also felt the need to prove why they had the lead.

With just under 10 seconds left on the clock, Tyshawn Taylor made two free throws to give the Jayhawks a 87-86 lead, which was all they needed to close out the game.

This was just another terrific game in what has been a storied rivalry, and it will be quite unfortunate to see it go away.

The two teams had another close game back on February 4th with the Tigers downing the Jayhawks 74-71, as the Jayhawks played their last game at Mizzou on their rival's home court.

While they will be competing in different conferences following this season, fans can only hope that the two programs will continue to find as much passion for when they play each other down the line.

If Saturday's game taught us anything, it is that a change in conference shouldn't change how things have been for so many years.

While things will be different in the standings, things shouldn't be any different when these two schools meet on the playing field.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.

Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase