Oct. 28, 2010

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Columbia, Mo. - A crowd of better than 3,000 fans showed up to watch Missouri Basketball's first public contest and were treated to nearly 200 points and a pair of 30-point scorers. Laurence Bowers scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lift his Mizzou Black squad to a 102-96 win over Ricardo Ratliffe and the Tiger Gold.

Ratliffe scored a game high 32 points and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. The junior college transfer hit 12-of-16 shots from the floor, while also shooting a game high 11 free throws (eight makes).

Ratliffe wasn't the only newcomer putting on a scoring display. Ricky Kreklow, Kadeem Green and brothers Phil and Matt Pressey each played well Thursday night. Kreklow, a local product from Columbia's Rock Bridge High School, sank a game high five three-pointers, while freshman Phil Pressey had a team high nine assists.

The gold team outscored the black in the first half 58-52, but fell behind with 15 minutes left in the second period and never regained the lead.

Justin Safford, returning from off-season ACL surgery, posted 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kim English was the second-highest scoring returner with 22 points.

Fans showed up extra early to get the autographs of their favorite Tiger players. Proceeds from game were donated to the Boys and Girls Club.

Missouri returns to action in its first exhibition game against Harris-Stowe State University next Friday at 7 p.m. at Mizzou Arena.

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