Dec. 11, 2010

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -

Justin Safford had 14 points and six rebounds to lead No. 15 Missouri to a 70-55 win over Presbyterian on Saturday in the first meeting between the schools.

Kim English also scored 14 for the Tigers (8-1), who used a 21-4 run over nine minutes of the first half to pull away. Marcus Denmon knocked down two 3-pointers and had eight of his 12 points during the surge.

The Tigers entered the game having played three consecutive contests that came down to the final possession - with two of those games needing overtime.

Missouri took a 39-18 lead into the break, the fewest points Missouri has allowed in the first half this season. The Blue Hose had more turnovers (10) than baskets made, shooting just 7 of 20 for the half.

Ryan Hargrave led Presbyterian (3-6) with 14 points, and Al'Lonzo Coleman and Jake Troyli each added 10. The loss drops the Blue Hose to 0-20 all-time against teams from BCS conferences.

Phil Pressey had a career-high 9 assists for Missouri - the same amount he had in his previous six games combined - and the Tigers had a season-high 23 as a team.

The non-conference victory is the 52nd in a row for the Tigers at home dating to the 2005-06 season. All but seven of those wins have come under coach Mike Anderson.