Oct. 26, 2002
Columbia, Mo.- The University of Missouri men's basketball team held its annual Black and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday morning in the Hearnes Center. With just under 3,500 Tiger fan's in attendance, MU Black edged out MU Gold, 43-36 on the shoulders of 21 points by junior point guard Ricky Clemons. Clemons was 8-of-11 from the field including 3-of-5 from the three-point line. Junior Arthur Johnson also had a solid scrimmage for MU Black pouring in 11 points while pulling down 11 rebounds.
MU Black was more efficient from the field shooting 48.6% compared to MU Gold's percentage of 36.8% despite being out-rebounded by the Gold, 24-11.
After a slow start from both squads, MU Black jumped out to a 24-14 lead after the first half. MU Gold opened the second half with a 7-0 run to pull within three at 24-21. MU Gold was sparked in the second half by strong play from junior Rickey Paulding, who made two highlight reel dunks and finished the contest with 17 points and six rebounds. Junior Travon Bryant also registered a solid effort rolling for eight points and a game-high eight rebounds. Bryant has added a new dimension to his game for the upcoming season, the three point shot, going 2-of-2 from behind the arc.
The Tiger's host the EA All-Stars on Sat., Nov. 2 at the Hearnes Center with opening tip set for 7 p.m. For more information on Mizzou men's basketball, log on to www.mutigers.com.
Black & Gold Game - Post-Game Quotes October 26, 2002
HEAD COACH QUIN SNYDER On freshman forward Kevin Young: "Kevin had a little bit of a tough time converting early in the game. But, he's methodically relentless. He just keeps coming and has great hands. If he gets a couple fingers on it, their big enough, he can pull it in. I was pleased with Kevin's effort. It's been great for Arthur to play against Kevin because it holds him accountable and keeps him honest."
On junior Travon Bryant's court awareness: "That's something we really take pride in as a program. The idea that our players are going to be complete players. That means Rickey Paulding learns to play the post, Travon Bryant learns to handle the ball and put the ball on the perimeter. Travon, his ball skills, passing, handling, and his instincts for the game, we believe you can teach that."
On the ability of the team to pick up where it left off: "I always hate to use an initial scrimmage as a measuring stick. But, I think there are some things this team can do right now that last year's team couldn't do. Our ability to pass the ball makes us a different group. I thought we were an unselfish team at the end of last year, but we weren't as adapt at making passes and when you see Josh Kroenke and AJ playing a two-man game inside-out and Josh ends up with a wide open three, that's something we've just figured out. I really like to see this team be as tough minded defensively and on the glass as we were at the end of last year.
JUNIOR FORWARD ARTHUR JOHNSON On fast-paced freelance offense: "We want to be a running team, so that's what it's going to take and we did a good job of it today. "
JUNIOR GUARD RICKEY PAULDING On passing the ball and the transition game: "I think that's what we want to do, be a real good defensive team and we also run the transition. I think we've got a good group of guys that are selfless and guys that can make good passes and can finish. I think we're confident in our running game."
JUNIOR GUARD RICKEY CLEMONS On playing that first game: "It felt great. We all worked together in practice this week and we all talked about it. We all wanted to come out and execute and play together, that's what we did."
JUNIOR FORWARD TRAVON BRYANT On developing into a complete player: "I came in as a one-dimension back to the basket player. And from the time I got here, I've really been working on all aspects of my game. I'm really trying to focus in on ball-handling, shooting, passing, and defensively being aware of the whole court."