After a tough loss to Liberty December 2nd, Missouri men’s basketball bounced back with a 72-44 victory over Eastern Illinois Tuesday night. The Tigers received steady production from many different players, but junior forward Kobe Brown and junior guard Amari Davis led the way.

Brown continued his strong start to the season, recording his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He also sparked the Tigers by being aggressive in the paint and making the right reads as he also put up two assists. 

“I really enjoyed how Kobe played in the game,” Missouri head coach Cuonzo Martin said. “He really tries to lead now, becoming more vocal in every game, so it’s really fun to see.”

Brown, who currently averages 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, has been a rare consistent player on an inconsistent team. And his production will need to remain consistent as Missouri’s schedule gets tougher.

Missouri also got a strong performance from Davis, as he put up 15 points and six rebounds. 

Davis played a crucial role in stabilizing Missouri’s offense Tuesday night by scoring points when the Tigers struggled offensively early in the first half. He also grabbed multiple offensive rebounds in a single possession, which eventually led to points.

“I’m starting to play point guard, so I have to be more vocal and make sure guys are doing what they’re doing,” Davis said.

Davis is also having a strong first year in Columbia, averaging 11.4 points per game and ending in double digits in seven of Missouri’s first nine games. Since Brown is taking on most of the leadership role in the early season, Davis can help take the load off his shoulders at both ends of the court.

Missouri will need Brown and Davis to build off of their strong performances Tuesday night as they battle Kansas for the Border War rivalry this Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas.

Edited by Mason Arneson | marneson@themaneater.com