Senior forwards DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons combined for 35 points on 11-of-18 shooting and 12 rebounds as the Missouri Tigers beat Missouri Southern 87-59 at Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers built a 48-33 lead at the half and pushed it past 30 a few times before settling in on their 29 point win.
I see a couple of trends though in just two games. The Tiger defense is going to create turnovers. 31 last night including 19 steals, but the Tigers also turned the ball over 24 times, a total of 46 times in two games.
Head coach Mike Anderson saw the same thing. "I thought our defense did some good things tonight and I liked the way we finished after forcing some turnovers, but the turnovers on our end are a concern."
Freshman guard Kim English and Carroll each had four steals. English also scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Along with English in double figures, fellow rookie Marcus Denmon, the Kansas City native chipped in 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range. The former Hogan Prep High School standout finished the Missouri exhibition slate an outstanding 4-of-6 from beyond the three point line.
After shooting 52% at the line against Lincoln, Missouri improved hitting 21-of-30 attempts, led again by Lyons, who finished 7-of-8 and Carroll, who went 5-of-6.
Missouri opens regular-season action this weekend against Prairie View A&M. Game time from Mizzou Arena is slated for 3:30 p.m. Fans are also invited to watch the Tiger Football game from Iowa State.