The crowds aren’t quite there yet at Mizzou Arena, but fans are starting to get a glimpse of things to come in Missouri’s basketball future.  Relentess defense and acrobatic displays on the offensive end were on tap in Mizzou’s 88-55 win over Coppin State.

Laurence Bowers, the 6’7 freshmen had two monster dunks off ally-oops.   Matt Lawrence was 5 of 5 on three pointers in the first half including two that were a good 8 feet beyond the line.

The defense forced 17 turnovers by Coppin State in the first half on their way to a 51-17 halftime lead.  The Tigers shot 55.6% from the floor.  Lawrence led the Tigers with 15.  Kim English hit three, three pointers for 9 off the bench.

The Tigers grew their lead to as much as 40 in the second half.  Lawrence finished the night 6 of 7 on threes to finish with a game high 18.  DeMarre Carroll had 16.  Outside of those two, it was a well balanced night with everyone scoring with the exception of Michael Anderson.

For the game Coppin State turned the ball over 24 times and shot just 33% for the game.  Mizzou shot 53% from the floor and 45% from three point range.

Mizzou opens Big 12 play Saturday at Nebraska.