Feb 23, 2002
By NICK WADHAMS
Associated Press Writer
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Clarence Gilbert hit 12 3-pointers, a Big 12 record, and had 40 points as Missouri beat Colorado 96-83 on Saturday.
Gilbert hit four free throws in the last two minutes, his only points that didn't come from 3-pointers.
The previous Big 12 record for 3-pointers by one player was 10, by Al Coleman of Texas in 1997. Missouri had 20 3-pointers total, also a Big 12 record. The old record was 18.
Missouri (19-9, 8-6 Big 12) dominated from the perimeter, but Colorado (13-12, 4-10 Big 12) kept the Tigers within sight thanks to Michel Morandais' career-high 33 points.
Colorado trailed by up to 16 in the first half but came alive halfway through the second. Stephan Pelle blocked a shot, drew a foul from Arthur Johnson and made both free throws. Morandais then stole an inbound pass and sank a basket, narrowing the score to 67-61.
Missouri stole the momentum back with another spate of 3-pointers. Kareem Rush had a basket and two 3-pointers, and Gilbert added two more to give Missouri a 16-point lead at 5:59.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Missouri. Colorado has lost five in a row.
Ten of Missouri's 16 baskets in the first half were 3-pointers, including six from Gilbert. Gilbert's scoring gave him 1,541 career points, pushing him into seventh place among all-time Big 12 scorers.
Missouri went on a 14-2 run in the middle of the first half, with Gilbert scoring three 3-pointers. Rush added one.
Colorado was without senior captain D.J Harrison, who broke his hand in Wednesday's loss to Kansas State.
Missouri has won seven straight against the Buffaloes.