Missouri men’s basketball welcomed a NAIA school the Paul Quinn College Tigers to Mizzou Arena on Monday night. The Tigers from Missouri were coming off back-to-back losses and used their opponent as an opportunity to try and get back on track, defeating the visiting team from Dallas 91-59.

Missouri started out slow Monday night and found themselves down 10-9 with 12:11 remaining in the first half. After that, the team found its groove and never let up. Missouri finished the first half on a 33-9 run in the final 12 minutes to take a 42-19 lead into the half.

Despite the large margin of victory and a non Division I opponent, the Tigers struggled from beyond the arc. The Tigers came into the game shooting 27.5 percent from deep and Missouri finished the game around their season average, going 27.6% from the three point line. 

Junior forward Kobe Brown was Missouri’s biggest star on Monday night. He dominated in the paint and on the boards, racking up a total of 20 points and 23 rebounds as well as a +45 plus or minus.

“He’s a guy that just plays basketball,” Missouri head coach Cuonzo Martin said. “His character, his work ethic, you want him to do well and he had a great performance tonight.”

Three other Tigers finished in double figures. Junior guard DaJuan Gordon finished with 17 points, five rebounds and two steals. Junior guard Amari Davis finished with 14 points and four assists, while senior guard Javon Pickett finished with 12 points and two rebounds. 

The Paul Quinn College Tigers fought back in the second half, but Missouri still outscored the visiting team 49-40 in the final 20 minutes.

“[It’s] always good to get back into the win column,” Martin said. “It’s good for our guys to see that shot go in.”

Missouri plays Liberty this Thursday at 6 p.m at Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, Virginia. 

Edited by Brandon Haynes | bhaynes@themaneater.com