Seeking its ninth consecutive win, the Missouri Tigers came out sharp against the LIU Sharks, ultimately using its depth to secure an 88-61 victory.
While the Sharks are ranked No. 332 in the nation according to KenPom, it's still important for the Tigers to take advantage of every opportunity and they did just that on Saturday at Mizzou Arena.
After a stagnant start over the first five minutes, Mizzou's bench sparked the offense, a common theme this season. The likes of Marques Warrick and Aidan Shaw kick-started the Tigers, helping generate transition offense. The bench wound up finishing with 53 points, adding to their nation-leading average in bench points per game.
When Dennis Gates began using his bench, immediately Mizzou was able to gain separation, going on a 16-2 run over the course of 5:31 of game time. This gave the Tigers a 23-10 lead just ten minutes into the contest.
Mizzou came into Saturday ranking 11th nationally this season receiving 25.5 percent of its points from the charity stripe. Saturday was no different, as the Tigers found success at the rim, generating contact and getting to the free throw line. In the first half alone, Mizzou went to the free throw line 14 times, only converting eight of those attempts, but emphasizing its ability to attack the basket.
Trent Pierce subbed into the game with 8:05 remaining in the first half and immediately made his presence felt. Similar to the Memphis game earlier in the season, Pierce ignited Mizzou's offense, scoring 17 points in the first half. His production helped the Tigers open up a 45-24 advantage at the half.
Gates relied on his depth heavily, using 11 players in the first half alone. This is interesting to note as Mizzou didn't use nearly as much of its bench against a higher quality opponent in Kansas.
While the game felt like it was wrapped up by halftime, the Tigers got off to a concerningly slow start in the second half, turning the ball over four times and allowing the Sharks to go on a 8-0 run, narrowing the score to 48-32 within the first four minutes of the second half.
Mark Mitchell helped put an end to the drought, continuing what he had been doing all game: converting at the basket. Mitchell played a complete game, helping out the Tigers in all facets, finishing the game with 15 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. On Mitchell's seven made field goals, six of them were layups and his final one was a dunk, speaking volumes to the game plan for him.
After the slow second half start, Mizzou locked in, capitalizing in transition and knocking down a couple of 3-pointers. This led to a 12-0 run over 4:26, granting the Tigers take a commanding 64-35 lead with 11:31 remaining in the second half.
Despite a quiet offensive night, Anthony Robinson got to the rim for a transition dunk with 12:13 remaining in the game. Robinson landed awkwardly, however, falling face first on the ground. When he got up, it was apparent that he was limping and immediately committed a personal foul to sub himself out of the game. With the Tigers leading by 30 points, Robinson didn't returnin for the remainder of the game. While it wasn't a huge offensive game for Robinson, he finished the game with six steals and four assists, showcasing the value he brings on a nightly basis.
With the game out of reach, Gates did a lot of experimenting with his depth in the final ten minutes. A combination of Warrick, Shaw, Pierce, Annor Boateng, Marcus Allen, T.O. Barrett and Jacob Crews finished out the game.
Mizzou will be back in action at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening when it'll host Jacksonville State.