The Missouri Tigers prevailed in their first round game with Nebraska, but it wasn’t easy. Mizzou trailed 22-4 in the first half before exploding to a 70-61 win. Missouri was led by Detroit juniors Rickey Paulding and Arthur Johnson. Paulding had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Johnson put in 18 and added 12 boards. A.J. also swatted away five Nebraska shots. After shooting a dismal 37% from the floor in the first half, the Tigers made 54% of their shots in the final twenty minutes. Ricky Clemons had 13 points and Jimmy McKinney had 11; both dished out three assists apiece. With the win, the Tigers improved to 19-9 on the season. They’ll face fourth-seeded Oklahoma St. Thursday in round two. On January 18, the Cowboys pounded the Tigers 76-56. That was the game Ricky Clemons missed after being arrested the day before. They were also without Josh Kroenke who was having severe knee pain. Tip-off is Thursday afternoon at 2:20.