Mississippi State’s top scorer misses game at Mizzou

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With the final seconds ticking away, senior Earnest Ross launched a three-pointer from the top of the key. It was off line, but junior Keanau Post tipped it in as the horn sounded. Initially, the basket was waved off, but after review officials counted the putback.

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Coming off a 32-percent shooting performance at Georgia, Missouri shot 60 percent from the field in the first half and made more field goals (18) than it did at Georgia (17).

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During a back-breaking 15-0 run, junior Jordan Clarkson threw a pass back to trailing freshman Torren Jones in transition for a soaring, monster slam dunk.

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Missouri shot even better in the second half, going 15 of 23 from the field for a 65.2-percent clip.

Mississippi State’s leading scorer, Craig Sword, didn’t play Saturday at Mizzou Arena.

Sword, a sophomore who is averaging 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals was away from the team to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

“He’s one of their better players, and him not being here probably hurt their team,” Missouri coach Frank Haith said.

• Before the game, there was a moment of silence for Columbia Fire Department Lt. Bruce Britt, who died Feb. 22 when a second-story walkway at the University Village apartments collapsed beneath him as he helped evacuate students from the University of Missouri-run housing.

Britt, 48, was trapped in the rubble and died.

The Columbia Fire Department also presented the color guard for the national anthem before the game.

This story was originally published March 1, 2014 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Mississippi State’s top scorer misses game at Mizzou."