Nov. 6, 2009

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Columbia, Mo. - Missouri Basketball used a pair of monster runs, a 23-1 run at the start of the first half and a 46-8 surge that spanned the entire second half to earn a 96-33 victory over Truman State University Friday night in the exhibition opener for both clubs.

The Tiger defense took hold in the second period, limiting the Bulldogs to just 5.9 percent shooting (1-of-17), while forcing 15 second half turnovers in the 63-point victory.

As they have done throughout Head Coach Mike Anderson's tenure, Mizzou was balanced offensively, with five Tigers reaching double figures. Sophomore forward Laurence Bowers lead the way with 14 tallies and a game high 12 rebounds. Senior J.T. Tiller chipped in 13 points, while Justin Safford, Kim English and true freshman Michael Dixon dropped in 10 apiece.

Missouri finished the game with a 54-24 advantage on the class and parlayed that statistic into 52 points in the paint. The club also boasted a 36-0 edge in points off turnovers and 47 points off the bench.

Truman State was led by Vesko Filchev, who scored eight points in 23 minutes.

Missouri returns to action next Friday (Nov. 13) in the exhibition finale against Northwest Missouri State. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at Mizzou Arena.