Missouri blows out Chicago State in final game of decade. Kentucky up next in SEC play
In their final tuneup ahead of Southeastern Conference play, the Missouri Tigers basketball team dominated Chicago State 91-33.
Mizzou guard Torrence Watson — after struggling to shoot all season — caught fire. He finished 8 for 13 from three with 24 points, both career-highs. His eight three-pointers were also a Mizzou Arena record. Dru Smith scored 14 points and Mark Smith added 13 as the Tigers cruised to victory Monday.
The Tigers (8-4) shot 53.2% (33 for 62) from the field, just the second time this season they finished above the 50% mark. Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin emptied his bench as the lead ballooned, 13 players seeing the court. In a balanced effort, 12 Tigers scored.
“Any time you win games, it’s a good feeling,” Martin said. “I’ve always been a guy who said you never know when you’re going to get the next one. You have to appreciate wins.”
It was a comfortable night in front of 9,359 at Mizzou Arena in the Tigers’ final game of the decade. But for the Cougars, every basket was a grind as the patented Mizzou defense stymied the visitors.
Chicago State (4-11) shot 24.4% (11 for 45) from the field, including 2 for 17 from three. The Cougars were sloppy with the ball, finishing with 24 turnovers. Rajeir Jones led Chicago State with seven points.
After nearly missing the Braggin’ Rights victory over Illinois because of a foot injury, forward Jeremiah Tilmon rested his foot Monday. He’s considered day-to-day. Forward Reed Nikko took Tilmon’s place in the starting lineup.
The Tigers open SEC play at 1 p.m. Saturday against Kentucky at Rupp Arena. As Mizzou builds its resume for a potential bid for the NCAA Tournament, conference play begins with the chance to pick up key wins.
“It’s always a great league,” Martin said. “There’s a lot of factors that go into the league. But I can speak specifically about us right now.”
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 8:57 PM.