The number 15 Missouri Tigers opened exhibition play in dominating fashion as five players reached double figures and the Tigers forced 27 turnovers en route to a 114-60 win over Harris-Stowe State on Friday night at Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers led by 32 at halftime and extended that lead to 54 on multiple occasions in the final 20 minutes. Laurence Bowers led Mizzou with 23 points thanks to 13-of-14 free throw shooting. Missouri also got 18 points from Kim English and a double-double (15 points, 10 boards) from Ricardo Ratliffe in just 22 minutes.
Missouri showed its depth as seven different players scored nine or more points. A solid 44 of Missouri’s 114 tallies came from its newcomers, led by Ratliffe and Phil Pressey.
Much to the delight of the Tiger faithful, the 5-foot-10 Pressey recorded his first dunk of the season and then promptly delivered a game best seven assists to go with 12 points, six boards and just one turnover.
Justin Safford, Missouri’s lone senior, also made his official return to the lineup scoring nine points, while corralling a game-best 12 boards.
Missouri returns to action next Friday vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith. Game time at Mizzou Arena is slated for 7 p.m.
