Missouri Tiger head coach Mike Anderson admitted some of his players felt the nerves of playing for the first time in Mizzou Arena, but fans got a sign of what could be a very bright future for Missouri Tiger basketball.

The Tigers opened up exhibition play with a 97-54 win over the Lincoln Blue Tigers of Jefferson City.  "I think you saw some opening night jitters from a number of our guys tonight…they settled down, but we played a little too quickly and had too many turnovers."

The Tigers turned the ball over 22 times, but they also forced Lincoln into 38 turnovers as head coach Mike Anderson has preached pressure defense will be the norm for this team.  Anderson also has a team of shooters.  The Tigers shot 52% from the floor, led by a pair of Kansas City players.  Senior Leo Lyons and freshmen Marcus Denmon each scored 12 points.  Denmon was 5 of 6 including a three pointer.

Junior transfer Zaire Taylor had a good first half scoring 11 points along with seniors DeMarre Carroll and Matt Lawrence who added 12.

Missouri will still need to work on free throw shooting.  Their percentage just a shade better than their field goal percentage as the Tigers were 18 of 32 form the line for 56%.

Missouri plays again on November 11th against Missouri Southern. That contest is the final exhibition tune-up for the Tigers who open regular-season action on Nov. 15 against Prairie View A&M.