Governor Rell, Missouri Governor Offer Friendly Wager

on Saturday’s UConn-Mizzou Matchup

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon have made a friendly wager on the outcome of Saturday’s quarterfinal match-up between the University of Connecticut and the University of Missouri in the NCAA men’s college basketball championship tournament.

            Governor Rell is staking a basket of Connecticut agricultural products, including Connecticut wines, maple syrup and maple candies, locally produced teas, hard cider, jams and jellies. Governor Nixon – whose alma mater is Mizzou – is wagering a package of St. Louis’s Anheuser-Busch beers, Kansas City’s Gates & Sons barbecue and “throwed rolls” from Lambert’s Café in Sikeston, Mo.

            “In the spirit of competition on which the NCAA tourney is built, I’m proud to wager with Governor Rell on the Tigers’ upcoming game with UConn,” Governor Nixon said. “I look forward to enjoying fine agricultural products of the Nutmeg State that the Governor will be parting with after Mizzou knocks off another high seed tomorrow in Arizona.

            “The Tigers are going to win this thing straight up,” added Governor Nixon. “I’m not even asking Governor Rell to spot me any points.”

            Governor Rell welcomed the wager from her Show-Me State colleague, adding that she was especially looking forward to enjoying the barbecue, beverages and bread after the UConn men take another step toward the national championship.

            “Watching our Huskies roll over another opponent always works up an appetite,” Governor Rell said. “I have every confidence in UConn and I can’t wait to enjoy that tender brisket from Gates and all the appropriate trimmings.

            “I appreciate Governor Nixon’s loyalty to his alma mater – but I’m going to appreciate the goodies from Missouri even more,” Governor Rell added.

            The University of Missouri will take on the University of Connecticut tomorrow following the Tigers’ victory Thursday night over the University of Memphis, 102-91. Earlier on Thursday, Governor Nixon had offered a prognostication of a Missouri victory at a public bill signing ceremony.

            No. 1-seeded UConn defeated Purdue 72-60 to reach the quarterfinal matchup.