Dec. 1, 2012

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COLUMBIA, Mo. - Laurence Bowers tied a career high with 23 points, 21 of which came in the opening half, to lead a 72-56 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday afternoon at Mizzou Arena.

Missouri (6-1) led by as many as 24 in the opening half and cruised throughout thanks to the hot shooting of Bowers. The senior from Memphis, Tenn., hit 8-of-10 shots in the opening period and made his lone shot in the second half to lead four Tigers in double figures.

Bowers scored 12 of Missouri's first 14 points and actually equaled Appalachian State's first half scoring total as the Tigers led 39-21 at the break. He then deferred to his teammates in the second half, led by Keion Bell who scored 10 of his 12 in the second period. Bell has come off the bench in each of his last two games and is averaging 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in a reserve role.

Earnest Ross finished with 13 points and narrowly missed his third double-double with nine rebounds. Tony Criswell also reached double figures with 10 points, the highest scoring total of his career as a Tiger.

Jay Canty led Appalachian State (1-6) with 29 points.

Missouri returns to action on Dec. 4 vs. Southeast Missouri State. Game time at Mizzou Arena is 7 p.m.