Clarkson scores 31 in Mizzou win over SIU

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Jordan Clarkson scored a career-high 31 points and Jabari Brown added 17 to lift Missouri past Southern Illinois 72-59 Tuesday night.

Clarkson, Brown and Earnest Ross combined for 59 points as the rest of the Tigers only shot 5-of-11 from the field. After trading baskets through the first half, the Tigers (2-0) used a 10-4 run in the opening 3:32 after the break for a 45-38 lead and some breathing room.

Missouri won its 20th consecutive game at home, this time in front of a half-filled Mizzou Arena after a late tip time. The Tigers haven’t lost to a non-conference opponent on their own floor since the 2005-06 opener, a span of 75 games.

Desmar Jackson led Southern Illinois (0-1) with 17 points in the team’s season opener. The senior guard scored the Salukis’ first eight points, but battled foul trouble the rest of the game.

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