Earnest Ross was one of three players to score 20 points for Missouri as the Tigers handled Nevada, 83-70, as part of the Las Vegas Invitational at Orleans Arena.
Ross finished with 28 points and nine rebounds while Jabari Brown (24 points, nine rebounds) and Jordan Clarkson (21 points) each had strong outings as well for Missouri (7-0).
Deonte Burton scored 20 points for Nevada (3-5), which also got 15 points off the bench from Marqueze Coleman.
The Tigers staked themselves to a 44-26 lead at halftime after an impressive first 20 minutes. Missouri was able to connect on 52 percent of its shots from the floor, including a 5-of-11 showing from beyond the arc, all while holding Nevada to just 28.6 percent shooting.
After the break the Tigers cooled to 41.7 percent shooting from the floor. Nevada was unable to capitalize, netting only 40 percent of its own field goal tries.
Missouri enjoyed a 39-31 edge on the boards and outscored Nevada, 21-24, from the free-throw line.
