The suspensions come in the wake of an altercation Saturday night outside Athena Nightclub in downtown Columbia. Senior point guard Stefhon Hannah broke his jaw during the fight. The other players suspended along with Hannah are seniors Marshall Brown, Darryl Butterfield and Jason Horton. Leo Lyons, the only junior known to be involved, was also suspended.

The Tigers continue conference play Wednesday night against Nebraska at Mizzou Arena, and only eight players will be suiting up. Of the eight dressing, two are walk-ons. Anderson stood by his decision completely.

"We have team rules and those team rules have been enforced. They have been in place and they will continue to be in place," said the second year head coach.

The remaining players are trying to stay focused on basketball.

"You know, you can handle adversity in two ways, and we need to handle it the right way and come together as a team," said junior guard Matt Lawrence.

"We're just trying to keep rolling, keep working hard, work on our defensive stops, keeping poised and staying mentally strong," added sophomore J.T. Tiller.

The suspended players account for about half of the Tigers' points scored this season.