COLUMBIA, Mo. — Back home Wednesday for the first time in two weeks, the Missouri Tigers nearly tripped down the runway to their much-anticipated weekend heavyweight bout.
Just three days away from Saturday’s Braggin’ Rights Game against No. 6 Illinois, Cuonzo Martin’s team looked poised to become the latest victim of mid-major upset specialist Liberty. Actually, the Tigers weren't poised at all. Turnover after turnover kept Liberty in the game, until finally, the Mizzou 3-pointers started falling. The Tigers restored order at Mizzou Arena in a 69-60 victory, their fourth straight to open the season.
Reigning Southeastern Conference player of the week Mark Smith led Mizzou with 17 points, while Dru Smith added 14 and Xavier Pinson balanced six turnovers with 12 points.