Nov. 16, 2013
Box Score |
Game Notes |
USATSI Gallery
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Mizzou Men's Basketball faced its toughest competition of the season yet, but proved victorious, defeating Hawaii 92-80 Saturday evening at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. Both teams battled hard throughout the game, showcased by 11 lead changes and four ties. This game marks the first time the Tigers have played at the Sprint Center since they claimed the Big 12 tournament title in 2012.
Jabari Brown led the Tigers in total scoring throughout the night. The junior scored 23 points in the win. Saturday's game was the sixth time Brown has scored over 20 points in his career. He also matched his career high in points for the third time. Jordan Clarkson was behind Brown with 13 points, 11 of which came in the second half. Earnest Ross contributed 12 points and matched his career high in assists with five. The big three of Brown, Clarkson and Ross scored a combined 48 of the team's 92 points.
Both the Tigers and the Rainbow Warriors struggled with turnovers and fouls at the start of the game. Junior Jordan Clarkson, who set a career high in points scored with 31 in Missouri's last contest, got into foul trouble early, allowing other Tigers to step up in his absence. Throughout the first half, the Tigers had balanced scoring as nine of 10 Tigers who played contributed points. Brown led the team in first half scoring as he posted 13 points, including a buzzer-beater layup to end the half. As a team, the Tigers shot 58-percent from the field, but were unable to shut down Hawaii's offense as the Rainbow Warriors closed out the half with a 16-5 run to lead the Tigers 46-45 at the break.
Mizzou came out strong to start the second half by forcing turnovers and hitting key shots in the paint, but couldn't shake Hawaii until the six-minute mark when they took a 10-point lead. After sitting out the majority of the first half due to foul trouble, Clarkson lit up the scoreboard for the Tigers. The San Antonio native scored 11 points in the second half to spur the Tigers to victory. The Tiger defense also took charge in the second half, forcing Hawaii to take poor shots from beyond the arc. Mizzou maintained their lead through the final minutes of play, hitting free throws to solidify their double-digit lead over Hawaii.
Other notable performances from the Tigers include freshman Wes Clark, who set a new career high in assists with five, as well as freshman Shane Rector scoring his first points in a Tiger uniform. As a team, the Tigers scored 56 points in the paint, with 28 points coming off the bench.
The Tigers return to action Nov. 23, against Gardner-Webb. The game is slated for a 2:30 p.m. CT start and is part of the opening rounds of the 2013 Las Vegas Invitational. For more information on Mizzou Basketball, follow mutigers.com and @MizzouHoops.