The Tigers improved to 9-1 for just the second time since the 2014-15 season.
LIU kept pace with Mizzou through the first four-and-a-half minutes of Saturday’s game. The Sharks exploited defensive lapses by the Tigers, hitting four consecutive shots to grab an early 8-7 lead.
Then, the momentum shifted.
Mizzou dominated the rest of the game, cruising to an 88-61 victory. With nine wins in just over a month, the Tigers have already eclipsed last season’s win total of eight. This marks only the second time since 2014-15 that Mizzou has started a season 9-1, with the last occurrence in 2022-23.
Freshman Trent Pierce emerged as an offensive standout, scoring a career-high 17 points in just eight first-half minutes, including four three-pointers. He finished with 22 points, nearly doubling his previous best of 13 points.
The Tigers frequently found their way to the free-throw line, attempting 10 free throws in the first 12 minutes. They ended with 19 attempts but struggled with efficiency, making only 12.
Despite going 1-for-5 from the line, Mark Mitchell contributed 15 points on an efficient 7-for-9 shooting performance. LIU couldn’t contain Mitchell in the paint, a common challenge for Mizzou’s opponents this season. Marques Warrick added 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers.
Mizzou’s offense stayed hot after halftime, hitting 12 of its first 16 field goals, including five of its first seven three-point attempts. A 16-0 run stretched the Tigers’ lead from 17 to 32 points midway through the second half.
On defense, Anthony Robinson II made a significant impact with six of Mizzou’s 10 steals, boosting his season total to 24. He also scored eight points on just four field goal attempts.
Mizzou will close out its 10-game homestand on Tuesday, hosting Jacksonville State at 6:30 p.m.
Mizzou Routs LIU, Surpasses Last Season’s Win Total
