The Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team got everything it wanted against South Dakota to move to 6-0 on the season. The Tigers won 102-68 and held a comfortable lead for a majority of the game.

Coming into the night, the team ranked fourth in the country in field goal percentage. The Tigers picked up right where they left off in that regard, finishing the game with a 64% FG mark.

After a tumultuous back and forth for the first 15 minutes of the game, the Tigers began to extend their lead by scoring some quick inside baskets. South Dakota’s guard Jordan Crawford dropped 16 points in the first half, including several off balance three pointers.

Following an 11-point lead at halftime, Missouri really began to put the game away. After allowing 42 points in the first half, the squad held South Dakota to only 26 second half points. Jordan Crawford was limited to only two points after an impressive first half performance.

In the post-game presser, Missouri forward Mark Mitchell attributed the stout defense to an adjusted ball screen strategy in the second half. He also noted the depth of this year’s team, which allows players to stay fresh throughout both halves.

Led by the pair of Mark Mitchell and Jevon Porter who scored a combined 41 points, Missouri scored the ball often and efficiently.

Porter had struggled in his first few games as a Tiger, so this was certainly a refreshing sight for not only fans, but himself as well. At 6’11, he provided a great big man presence in place of starting center Shawn Phillips Jr., who was inactive due to an illness.

In other notes, Missouri sophomore guard Annor Boateng made his season debut after battling injury through the first five games of the year. Trent Burns and Trent Pierce continue to be sidelined.

Next up for the Tigers is a home game against South Carolina State on Tuesday.