Mizzou basketball wins first SEC road game in nearly four years

The Mizzou basketball team won its first SEC road game since Jan. 28, 2014 with a 79-68 victory over reigning final-four finalist South Carolina.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 11-3 (1-0 SEC).

Kassius Robertson led the way tying his season high with 23 points while Jordan Barnett had 19. Jontay Porter also finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Four Tigers finished in double figures.

The Tigers shot 47 percent from the field and 58 percent from three. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks shots just 39 percent.

It is the first time the Tigers have had three players make at least five three-point shots in a single game this season.

Jeremiah Tilmon struggled with foul trouble all night with four fouls while Porter had five.

Jordan Geist started over Blake Harris at point guard. A spokesperson for Mizzou said Harris missed some time with an illness, which is why he did not start.

Mizzou dominated from beyond the three-point line in the first half. The Tigers shot 59 percent from three as Jordan Barnett and Jontay Porter combined to go 6 for 9 from three and combined for 25 first-half points.

Mizzou limited its turnovers to after struggling with 21 against Illinois.

Mizzou extended its lead early in the second half to 19 thanks to a four-point play from Geist and later to 21 points. However, the Gamecocks closed the lead to nine in the final minutes. Despite the run by South Carolina, Mizzou held on for the win.

The Tigers next return home to play Florida Saturday, Jan. 6 at 12 p.m.