Laurence Bowers tied a career high with 23 points, including 21 in the opening half, to lead a 72-56 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. Missouri (6-1) led by as many as 24 in the opening half.
Bowers scored 12 of Missouri’s first 14 points and had just as many points as Appalachian State’s first half total as the Tigers led 39-21 at the half. Keion Bell scored 10 of his 12 in the second period. Bell has come off the bench in each of his last two games and is averaging 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in a reserve role. Earnest Ross finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. Tony Criswell scored 10 points.
Missouri returns to action on Dec. 4 vs. Southeast Missouri State. Game time at Mizzou Arena is 7 p.m.