Michael Dixon scored 17 points and hit eight of nine key free throws to lead Missouri to an 88-84 victory over Texas Tech that put an end to a season-long, three-game skid for the Tigers.

It was Dixon’s speed, drive and daring that saved the Tigers, who advanced to face Texas A&M at 8:30 tonight in the Big 12 quarterfinals.

Missouri, 23-9, very likely took away the angst at what a fourth straight loss might have done to their NCAA Tournament seeding, if not the assurance of making the Big Dance.