Tigers ride strong start in 82-65 home win over Alabama State
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A strong first half was just what the Tigers needed to get back in the win column.
Missouri scored the first basket of the game and the lead never wavered in its 82-65 drubbing of the Alabama State Hornets on Monday night at Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers (11-2) held a 9-7 advantage with 15 minutes, 19 seconds to go in the first half before going on a 13-4 run that ended with a 3-pointer from senior guard Marques Warrick with 9:54 left in the period. Senior guard Tamar Bates fueled the run with a 3, a layup and a free throw to help extend Missouri’s lead to 22-11.
The teams traded baskets until the score was 30-19 with 4:31 to go in the half. Missouri went on a 12-5 run to stretch its lead to 42-24 at the break.
Bates directed Missouri with a game-high 16 points as the Tigers shot 50% (29-of-58) from the field. Junior guard Mark Mitchell totaled 14 points, while sophomore guard Trent Pierce and senior guard Tony Perkins added 12 apiece. Senior guard Caleb Grill had six points in his return.
Pierce also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds as Missouri took a 39-30 advantage on the boards.
Junior forward D’Ante Bass led Alabama State (4-9) with 14 points as the Hornets went 39.1% (25-of-64) from the floor. Senior guard Tyler Mack put up 11 points.
Missouri opens Southeastern Conference play at 3 p.m. Saturday at No. 2 Auburn (12-1). Auburn enters the contest on a five-game winning streak after it blew out Monmouth 87-58 at home on Monday.
