Justin Safford misses a layup attempt in the second half of the Tigers game with Texas Tech
The Missouri Tigers almost let a 13 point lead in the second half get away, but MU holds on for an 88-84 win in the opening round of the Big 12 tournament over the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
The Red Raiders came out attacking inside and they jumped out to a seven point lead with just over 10 minutes to go in the first half, but Tech looked to wear down a bit as some shots were coming up short and the Tigers battled back to turn the seven point deficit into a seven point lead that went down to four at the break, 48-44.
The Tigers didn’t have much of an answer for John Roberson. He finished with 28 points on 8 of 14 shooting including 6 of 11 from three and a perfect 6 for 6 at the line.
Mizzou opened up the second half with an 9-0 run to go up 57-44 just two minutes into the break. Head coach Mike Anderson said that his team looked like they played to not lose as Tech battled back to tie the game at 66-66.
Mike Anderson’s post game comments
Missouri went back on a 14-3 run and it looked like they were going to put the game away but Tech made one more final run in the last three minutes.
Marcus Denmon led four Tigers in double figures with 20 points. Michael Denmon had 17, Kim English 15 and Justin Safford with 10, including 8 in the first half.
Postgame video of English, Safford and Denmon.
The Tigers will now seek revenge on a Texas A & M who beat MU in double OT in College State back in mid January.
