OXFORD, Miss. - Mizzou Men's Basketball (16-8, 6-5 SEC) won its third consecutive game, and second-straight road game with a 75-69 win at Ole Miss (11-13, 4-7 SEC) Tuesday night at The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Graduate senior Kassius Robertson (Toronto, Ontario) led the charge in the second half, scoring 18 of his season-high 27 points after the break, while freshman forward Jontay Porter (Columbia, Mo.) recorded his third double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The road win marked the first time since the 2011-12 season Mizzou has won back-to-back road games in conference play.
Mizzou shot 45.3 percent (24-of-53) from the floor, the 15th time this season and the fourth consecutive game Mizzou has shot at least 45 percent from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, Mizzou held Ole Miss to 69 points, 8.6 points below its season average of 77.6 points per game heading into the matchup. It's the 18th time in 22 possible games Mizzou has held its opponent below its season scoring average.
TURNING POINT
Mizzou overcame a slow start, responding with a 30-9 run to take a 30-20 lead at the 6:09 mark of the first period after falling behind 11-0 to start the game. After missing its first four shots of the game, the Tigers made 11 of their next 14 field goal attempts over the next 6:45 of game clock take the 10-point lead. Porter led the way with nine points and five rebounds during the run.
The run helped Mizzou take a 40-27 lead into the locker room at halftime, as the Tigers made seven three-pointers and shot 53.6 percent (15-of-28) from the field in the opening frame. Four different Tigers made a three in the half and three made two. Porter did it all for the Tigers in the opening frame, leading the team in points (12), rebounds (seven) and assists (four).
TOP TIGERS
- Roberston scored a season-high 27 points for his ninth 20-point game of the season, marking the most 20-point games by a Tiger since Jabari Brown and Jordan Clarkson had 19 and 14, respectively, during the 2013-14 season.
- Robertson has scored in double-figures in the last five games, and 20 points in four of the last five games. Over the last five games, Robertson is averaging 21.2 points per game.
- Porter recorded his third double-double of the season with 18 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.
- The Tiger freshman blocked five shots in the game, the third time this season he has turned away five shots in a contest.
UP NEXT
Mizzou heads back home for its next SEC contest, as the Tigers host Mississippi State on Saturday, Feb. 10. Tipoff from Mizzou Arena is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT., and will be broadcast on ESPN2. The matchup with the Bulldogs will serve as the third annual #RallyForRhyan Game benefiting pediatric cancer. Fans are encouraged to head to the Tiger Team Store to purchase special #RallyForRhyan t-shirts, with all proceeds donated towards pediatric cancer research.
For all the latest on Mizzou Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. (@MizzouHoops).
