The Missouri men’s basketball team got their first win of the season Sunday afternoon against the Valparaiso Crusaders by a final of 56-41.
Mizzou started off the game on a 7-2 run, but poor shooting would lead to Valparaiso tying the game 7-7. The Tigers went on small scoring spurts throughout the half only to have their momentum diminished by missed field goals.
Wes Clark led the Tigers in scoring in the first half with seven points as the Tigers walked into the locker room with a 24-23 advantage. The Crusaders shot 38.1% from the field in the first half while Missouri only shot 25% from the field.
Scoring picked up in the second half as the Tigers started off on an 11-4 run to pull ahead and gain a 35-27 lead over Valpo. From there on out, the Tigers never let up and would lead by as much as 15 points. The defense caused havoc as well, forcing the Crusaders to shoot a mere 7-of-25 from the floor in the second half.
Wes Clark would finish his night with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, and Jonathan Williams III had a good game as well for the Tigers, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds in 27 minutes of action.
With the win the Tigers improve to 1-1. The win is also new Tiger head coach Kim Anderson’s first at his alma mater.
After the game, Coach Anderson said, “We played a little less tentative and attacked offensively.” He also added, “Any time your team gives up 41 points, you’ve got to be proud of your defense.”
The Tigers look to keep their momentum as they take on Oral Roberts on Wednesday at Mizzou Arena, tipoff at 7 p.m.