Bates scores 25 points; Mizzou snaps three-game skid
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou Men's Basketball wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a dominant 92-59 win over Central Arkansas on Saturday evening, behind a season-high 25-point performance from Tamar Bates.
The Tigers snapped a three-game losing streak with Saturday's win and will enter SEC play with an 8-5 record.
Dennis Gates' crew grabbed the lead first after Noah Carter drained a pair of free throws in the opening minutes. Carter's trip to the free throw line sparked an 11-3 scoring run for the Tigers to start the game. Mizzou never lost the lead in this contest.
The Tigers held a 46-31 lead at halftime after Bates dropped 14 points and did not miss a single shot in the first half. Sean East also scored nine points before the break.
Mizzou continued to cruise in the second half, outscoring Central Arkansas 46-28 after halftime. Bates and company led by as much as 36 points in this game.
Bates finished a game in double figures for the fifth time this season on Saturday. He shot 90% from the field, drilling 9 of the 10 shots he took. The Indiana transfer also posted four rebounds and three assists.
Five different Tigers scored 10 or more points in the contest, including East, who recorded 16 points and five rebounds. East has posted 14-plus points in 11 of Mizzou's 13 games this season.
Up next - Mizzou begins SEC play next week with a matchup against Georgia. The Tigers and the Bulldogs are scheduled to tipoff at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6 at Mizzou Arena.
