COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Strong defense and 21 points from Mark Smith gave Missouri the edge over Morehead State 70-52 on Wednesday night.
Missouri (4-1) jumped out to a 14-4 lead and kept Morehead State scoreless for
a five-minute stretch. The Tigers then went cold from the 3-point range, making
just 2 of 14 shots beyond the arc in the first half.
Missouri forward Reed Nikko, who had scored just four points through the
team’s first four games, made a layup and free throw, and Kobe Brown added four
key points to help the Tigers finish the half on a 9-0 run to lead 36-29.
Missouri kept its lead in the second half but let Morehead State (4-1) stay
within comeback distance most of the game. Morehead State forced 17 turnovers,
five committed by Missouri forward Jeremiah Tilmon.
Mark Smith had three 3-pointers while Dru Smith added 11 points, nine rebounds
and five assists.
Jordan Walker scored 14 for the Eagles.
Missouri saw good production from the bench. Forward Parker Braun snagged four
rebounds, and forward Tray Jackson scored seven points.
BIG PICTURE
Missouri: After a dominant showing against Wofford on Monday, the Tigers
struggled in the first half against Morehead State. But the team showed it can
still rely on its stingy defense to win games.
UP NEXT
Missouri: The Tigers head to Kansas City for a Hall of Fame Classic game
against Butler on Monday.
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