Oct. 16, 1999

Columbia, Mo. - In front of a frenzied crowd that reached over 5,000 strong, the University of Missouri men's basketball team opened its 1999-2000 season with Mizzou Madness this morning.

The Tigers played two 10-minute periods following some rousing introductions. Junior college Tajudeen Soyoye led all Tigers with 13 points, and also added a team-best eight rebounds in his first action at MU.

The Black squad, which featured junior Brian Grawer, junior Johnnie Parker, sophomore Clarence Gilbert, sophomore Matt Rowan and freshman Kareem Rush, won the scrimmage by a score of 45-33. Members of the White team included senior Jeff Hafer, senior Mark Wampler, junior T.J. Soyoye, sophomore Keyon Dooling and freshman Josh Kroenke. Sophomore center Pat Schumacher did not play, as he's recovering from some recent minor shoulder surgery, which shouldn't keep him out of the lineup much longer.

Other Tigers in double figures on the evening included Johnnie Parker (12 points), Brian Grawer (12) and Clarence Gilbert (11). All 12 of Grawer's points came on three-point field goals. He was third in the nation, and led the Big 12 Conference last season in three-point shooting. Gilbert nailed two treys, while Parker, Dooling and Kroenke each tallied one apiece.

Parker added four rebounds on the night, while Kareem Rush dished out a scrimmage-best four assists.

Between periods, a small dunk contest was held between Dooling, Hafer and Rush. Dooling won the contest with a scintillating Jordan-esque slam.

The Tigers will return to the court tomorrow for their first structured practice under new Head Coach Quin Snyder. Snyder's troops will make their next public appearance at the annual scrimmage event on Halloween. This year's event, the "Tiger Night of Terror," will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 31st.