January 2, 1999

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Monte Hardge, making only his fourth start of the season, had a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds as Missouri opened its Big 12 schedule with an 80-57 victory over Nebraska.

John Woods had 22 points and hit five 3-pointers for Missouri (10-2, 1-0), which won its conference opener for the first time since 1996. Venson Hamilton had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Larry Florence added 12 points for Nebraska (8-6, 0-1), playing its third road game in seven days.

Hardge, who started for the first time in five games, had nine points and five rebounds in the first half as Missouri took a 48-27 lead. He totaled 31 points and 27 rebounds in two games against Nebraska last season.

Nebraska looked like a tired team as Missouri jumped to a 9-0 lead. The Tigers then finished the half on a 20-6 run.

Woods, as has been the case in recent games, provided the bulk of Missouri's offense in the opening minutes. He hit two 3-pointers and scored eight of Missouri's first 12 points.

Hardge, Albert White and Keyon Dooling all had slam dunks in a two-minute span midway through the first half to get a small crowd, held down by a winter storm, into the game. Fans were invited to move to better seats early in the game.

Nebraska showed signs of fatigue throughout the game. The Huskers shot only 33 percent overall and 50 percent from the free-throw line.