Nov. 18, 2003
Columbia, Mo. - Five Tigers reached double figures in scoring on Tuesday night as the University of Missouri men' basketball squad picked up a 74-60 win over the Asheville Altitude (of the NBDL) on Monday night at the Hearnes Center in their final exhibition contest of the year. Mizzou finishes the preseason at 2-0.
Mizzou overcame 22 turnovers on the night and a one-point deficit at halftime by out-rebounding the Altitude, 45-32 and shooting a blazing 53.6 (15-of-28) percent in the second half while holding Asheville to only 34 percent shooting in the second half.
After trailing by as many as eight in the first half, the Tigers took their first lead of the contest with a sweet jumper from senior Arthur Johnson with 16:36 left in the second stanza at 34-32. However, Mizzou would fall behind once again, trailing the Altitude 47-46 with 9:10 left in the contest. From that point on, Mizzou would go on a 27-14 run the rest of way keyed by 11 points from sophomore guard Jimmy McKinney during that span.
The talented point guard was outstanding on the night scoring 15 points (including 12-of-12 shooting from the free throw line) while also handing out a team-best four assists and grabbing a team-high three steals. Senior forward Travon Bryant was also outstanding going 5-of-8 from the field for 13 points.
Johnson had 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting while also pulling down seven board (four of which were offensive) while senior Josh Kroenke hit three 3-point baskets and pulled down what would be a career-best eight rebounds (if only exhibition games counted) in a great effort.
Freshman Linas Kleiza showed why he was projected as one of the top recruits in the country coming into the year scoring his first double-double of the year with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds. Senior Rickey Paulding just missed double digits with nine points after going down early in the second half with a slightly sprained ankle. However, all reports indicate Paulding will be fine for the regular season debut of the No. 5 team in the country, which doesn't come until Nov. 29. Speaking of debuts, freshman walk-on Spencer Laurie played his first game in a Tiger uniform on Tuesday playing nine minutes while recording a steal and a rebound.
The Tigers will now prepare for their regular season opener against Oakland on Nov. 29. That is the latest start date for any squad in the Big 12 and the latest opening contest for a Tiger team since 1981-82, when that team started on Dec. 1. For more information on Missouri basketball, log on to the home of Mizzou Athletics on the web, www.mutigers.com.