TIGERS ROMP PAST INCARNATE WORD IN THE SEASON OPENER AT MIZZOU ARENA

Missouri opened the 2019-20 men’s basketball season with an 82-42 romp over Incarnate Word Tuesday night at Mizzou Arena. After a Cardinals bucket with about 7 1/2 minutes to go cut the Tigers’ lead to six, Mizzou closed the first half on a 23-8 run to take a 43-22 lead into halftime. The second half saw the Tigers hold Incarnate Word to just 20 points as to claim a 40-point season opening victory. After the game, assessed the victory.

Jeremiah Tilmon set the tone on both ends of the floor all evening, collecting a career-high five blocks while pacing Mizzou with 16 points. During his career, the Tigers are a perfect 7-0 when Tilmon posts 16 or more points. Coach Cuonzo Martin

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Martin talked about his guards’ ability to get the ball in to Tilmon.

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Sophomore guard Xavier Pinson dished out five assists while attacking the paint all evening to earn plenty of trips to the charity stripe, as he added eight points from the line. Javon Pickett added 10, leading the team with eight rebounds on the night. Dru Smith had eight points on two for three shooting.

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The Tigers shut down the Cardinals defensively all evening, forcing 21 turnovers while allowing the Cardinals to shoot just 27-percent from the field. The win gives Martin a 3-0 record in season openers at Mizzou, and is the 25th win of the last 28 opening contests for Mizzou. The Tigers also improve to 10-0 under Martin when holding an opponent under 55 points. The Tigers host Northern Kentucky Friday night at Mizzou Arena, with tipoff set for 7. Pregame coverage from the Tiger Radio Network begins at 6:30 on 99.9 The Captain.

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