Missouri routs Ark.-Pine Bluff / LJWorld.com

Archive for Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Associated Press

December 3, 2008

Columbia, Mo. — Missouri 95, Ark.-Pine Bluff 41

Matt Lawrence scored 15 points to lead five Missouri players in double figures as the Tigers beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday night.

DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons added 13 each for the Tigers (6-1) before going to the bench early in the second half as Missouri built a comfortable lead. Kim English also scored 13 and Marcus Denmon added 11.

Tyree Glass led Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-6) with 10 points as the Golden Lions shot 27 percent from the field.

Coach Mike Anderson had let the Tigers know he was unsatisfied with their defensive effort in a 92-83 win over Oral Roberts on Sunday.

“He was pretty upset after the last game so we were practicing without a lot of shooting,” English said. “It really refocused us and we definitely played really good defense today, and it was great of him to refocus even after a win because he is looking out for the future of this defense.”

Missouri led Arkansas-Pine Bluff 22-4 lead 10 minutes into the game and dominated throughout, forcing a season-high 28 turnovers.

“Games are going to be like that when we come out here and get after them on defense,” Lawrence said. “Against Oral Roberts we didn’t get to do what we wanted to and we let them stay in the game.”

The 54-point margin of victory was Missouri’s biggest since a 95-50 win over Southern on Nov. 16, 2007. The Tigers have won 31 straight home games against non-conference opponents.