The Missouri Tigers routs the Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Missouri Tigers have plans on the leaving the Big 12 this year with a bang and not whimper.  The Tigers jumped all over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  In the first 12 minutes of the game the Cowboys only had three offensive baskets in the game.

While the Tigers offense was oppressing the Cowboys, their offense was lighting up the building.  Kim English went off for 21 first half points and the rest of the Tigers followed him.

The Tigers made 21 of 38 shots in the half for a 55 percent shooting average.  Phil Pressey had five steals to push the pace for the Tigers.  Matt Pressey and Marcus Denmon each had 7 points each.

The Cowboys only shot 36 percent from the floor while making only 9 of 25 shot attempts.  Keiton Page made the very first shot of the game on a three point attempt and that would be the only bright spot in the half for the Cowboys.

The Tigers went on a 23-3 capped off by a layup by Michael Dixon with 10:49 left in the half.  At one point in the first half the English had more made baskets than the entire Cowboys team. English had 4 baskets and the Cowboys only had three with 8:40 left in the half. 

At halftime the Cowboys only had three players who had scored at least on point.  The Tigers went into the locker room with a commanding 49-24 advantage.

In the second half the Tigers continue to put the pedal to the medal and push and extend their lead.  At three times in the second half the Tigers pushed their lead to 29 points.  The last time was at the 10:17 mark with the score 74-48.

The Cowboys cut the lead down to 15 with 5:52 left, but Missouri coach Frank Haith put his starters back in and the Tigers went on a 6-0 run to make the score 83-62 with 3:54 to go.   The Cowboys did not make another push and the Tigers defeated the Cowboys by a score of 88-70.

English finished the game with 27 points two points shy of his career high.  Paul Pressey finished the game with 12 assists that ties his career high and he also had five steals in the game.  When asked why they did not try to get new career highs in the game each said, “That is not our focus.  We were stuck in the process on executing each possession.

Haith said, “I thought we played very well tonight.  I thought our defense at the start of the ball game was outstanding.  I thought our intensity level was very good.

Oklahoma State head coach Travis Ford said, “I think fatigue was a little bit of a factor.  We used up a lot of energy last night.  Not to make an excuse.  I think Missouri played up on that.”

The Tigers moves on to play the winner of the Texas Longhorns and the Iowa State Cyclones on Friday in the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

Box Score