Laurence Bowers scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lift his Mizzou Black squad to a 102-96 win over Ricardo Ratliffe and the Tiger Gold. Ratliffe scored a game high 32 points and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. The junior college transfer hit 12-of-16 shots from the floor, while also shooting a game high 11 free throws, converting eight of them.
“We can score, but I guess the big question is, can we stop people?” That was head coach Mike Anderson’s assessment after the game.
Mike Anderson’s comments following the Black and Gold game
Ratliffe wasn’t the only newcomer putting on a scoring display. Ricky Kreklow, Kadeem Green and brothers Phil and Matt Pressey each played well Thursday night. Kreklow, a local product from Columbia’s Rock Bridge High School, sank a game high five three-pointers, while freshman Phil Pressey had a team high nine assists.
The gold team outscored the black in the first half 58-52, but fell behind with 15 minutes left in the second period and never regained the lead.
Laurence Bowers, Justin Safford, and Ricardo Ratliffe post game comments
Justin Safford, returning from off-season ACL surgery, posted 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kim English was the second-highest scoring returner with 22 points.
Now it’s time to get serious. “It was fun for those guys tonight…now we really indulge ourselves in defense” The Tigers will play someone besides themselves next Friday when they host Harris-Stowe in an exhibition game.
Finals Stats. Mizzou Black & Gold 2010
