COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men's Basketball won its third straight contest on Friday evening, riding a dominant second half to an 80-64 victory over Oral Roberts at Mizzou Arena. It was a balanced attack offensively for head coach Cuonzo Martin's Tigers, as six different players scored in double figures en route to Mizzou's first 80-point performance in regulation since the Tigers beat Stephen F. Austin 82-81 last season (Dec. 19, 2017).

Sophomore guard Mark Smith led the Black & Gold with 14 points, while freshman guard Torrence Watson matched his career-high with 12 points behind perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Senior guard Jordan Geist, sophomore forward Jeremiah Tilmon and senior forward Kevin Puryear also each chipped in with 12 points apiece.

TURNING POINT

Mizzou had a seven point lead at the halftime break, but Oral Roberts cut the lead down to as little as two, trailing just 40-38 with 14:12 to play in the second half. Mizzou broke away on a quick 8-0 run to push the lead back out to 10.  

Watson hit his third straight three-ball of the game to start the run, followed by a layup from Geist on a fast break. The run was capped off by a steal from Geist under the basket, nearly identical to the play he made in the closing minutes against UCF. This time, though, he drew contact on the layup, earning a trip to the free throw line for a three-point play opportunity. He would make the free throw to extend the lead back out to double-digits, contributing five points in four seconds. The Tigers went on to make 9-of-10 field goals during a 25-7 run and stretched their lead to 65-43 by the 7:50 mark.

TOP TIGERS

• Tilmon continued his dominance in Mizzou Arena, going for 12 points and six rebounds. Tilmon has scored in double-digits in every home game this season. Mizzou improved to 17-2 in Tilmon's career when he reaches double figures. 
• Geist got into double figures for the fifth time in six games courtesy of his 12-point performance against Oral Roberts.
• Watson matched his career-high in scoring for the second straight contest, going for 12 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc.
• Freshman guard Xavier Pinson also got into double figures, chipping in with 11 points and four assists.

GAME NOTES

• Mizzou dropped 80 points, the first time clearing the 80-point threshold without going to overtime since the Tigers beat Stephen F. Austin last season (12/19/18).
• The Tigers hit 12 three-pointers, tying a season-high. This is Mizzou's third game this season hitting 10+ three-pointers in a game, with the others coming against Temple and UCF. Mizzou moves to 2-1 in such games.   
• Six players (Mark Smith, Jordan Geist, Jeremiah Tilmon, Kevin Puryear, Torrence Watson and Xavier Pinson) scored in double digits during the game, the first time Mizzou has had six players in double figures since the team played Ole Miss at home last season (2/20/2018).
• Mizzou connected on 16 free throws in the game, the most since the Tigers made 22 against Oregon State (11/1818).

UP NEXT

Mizzou will conclude its five-game home stand on Tuesday, Dec. 18, as the Tigers face off against Xavier at Mizzou Arena. Tip-off against the Musketeers is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

For all the latest on Mizzou Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@MizzouHoops).