Dec. 20, 2008

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Columbia, Mo. -

Missouri vs. Stetson

Men's Basketball

December 20, 2008

Post Game Notes

 

Missouri offense dominates second half

The Tigers shot 70 percent in the second half of play in a 78-44 victory over Stetson, the highest single-half percentage so far this season. Missouri made its first 11 2-point field goals in the second half, and 10 of their first 12 shots overall in the half. They also used a 10-2 run at the start to put the game out of reach early.

 

Tiger defense holds Stetson to lowest first half total in 2008; scoreless for 7:15

The Hatters finished with 18 points in the first half, the lowest point total by an opponent this season. The previous figure was 22 by Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Dec. 2. The lowest total in Missouri program history is 4 by Colorado in 1980. The Tigers also held Stetson scoreless for 7:15 in the first half. Missouri responded by going on an 18 - 2 run. The Hatters broke the streak with a 3-pointer by A.J. Smith with 2:03 left to play. The Hatters were also forced to make more turnovers than field goals in the first half – 12 turnovers vs. 8 shots made, including three turnovers on their first three possessions. They ultimately finished with 16 successful field goals and 15 turnovers, and pulled ahead in the count with 3:11 left in the game. The Hatters' one 3-pointer ties a Mizzou Arena record for fewest in a game, and their one assist is the fewest in the arena's history.

 

 Breakout night for Tiger newcomers, Tiger bench outscores Hatters 45-9

The 78-44 win was a marquee night for three Missouri freshmen, sophomore forward Justin Safford and junior forward Keith Ramsey. Freshman center Steve Moore set a career high with 5 points, his previous was 3 against Chattanooga. Moore also tied a career high with 7 minutes played in the game. Ramsey and freshman forward  Laurence Bowers set new career highs for minutes played – 20 for Ramsey and 13 for Bowers. Safford set a new season-high point total with 10 points, which ties his career high set against Texas A&M last season. He also produced a highlight-reel block with 8:38 left to play on an attempted lay-up by Garfield Blair, his first of the season. Freshman guard Marcus Denmon had four steals on the game, a season and career high.  

 

Attendance continues to rise

Tonight's recorded crowd of 6,529 brought the attendance average in Mizzou Arena this season to 7,409.

 

Tigers' win streak continues

Missouri's 9-1 start to 2008-09 ties the best season start of Head Coach Mike Anderson's career at Missouri. The Tigers are now running a 7-game winning streak, including a 34-game non-conference winning streak at home. Missouri is also now unbeaten when leading at the half.