COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mizzou men’s basketball opened its 2021-22 season with a 78-68 victory against Central Michigan Tuesday night at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers improved to 5-0 in season openers under head coach Cuonzo Martin.
Mizzou (1-0) finished with five players in double figures, led by sophomore Ronnie DeGray III who made his Tiger debut with double-double in 31 minutes off the bench. DeGray III helped out on both sides of the ball, finishing the game with 13 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. His double-double was the first in a Mizzou debut in three-years. Senior Javon Pickett led the team with 18 points while junior Amari Davis contributed 14 and redshirt junior Jarron Coleman added 13.
As a team, Mizzou was dominant on the offensive and defensive glass. The Tigers out rebounded Central Michigan 44-31, including pulling in 16 offensive rebounds leading to 18 second-chance points.
“They’re the type of guys who are just trying to win a basketball game,” said head coach Cuonzo Martin. “It’s not so much whose getting shots, its winning ball games.”
TURNING POINT
Leading by two with 5:31 left in the first half, Pickett drained a three, jump starting a 20-6 run to finish the period. The run increased the Tiger’s margin to a 16-point advantage at half. The cushion was enough as the Tigers held off a second-half surge by the Chippewas.
TOP TIGERS
• Ronnie DeGray III recorded his second career double-double, setting a career high 13 rebounds tying a career-high three blocks.
• Javon Pickett sank a career-high eight field goals, pacing the Tigers with 18 points. He also lead the squad with a career-high-tying three steals.
• Amari Davis contributed 13 points, bringing his double-digit points streak to 11 games dating back to last season.
• Jarron Coleman notched four buckets from beyond the arc, marking his 12th-straight game with a three.
OF NOTE
- Tuesday’s marks the Tigers seventh-consecutive season opening win as Mizzou has also won 26 of its last 28 openers.
- Mizzou moves to 2-0 all-time against Central Michigan and extends the Tigers record to 13-2 all-time against MAC opponents.
- Six newcomers scored their first points in a Missouri uniform Tuesday night, including freshman Yaya Keita and Sean Durugordon.
- Eight of the nine eligible Tigers scored at least one point against the Chippewas.
UP NEXT
Mizzou continues its season-opening homestand with an in-state showdown against UMKC on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. inside Mizzou Arena. The game will stream on SEC Network+. Fans should call 1-800-CAT-PAWS for tickets or buy online today!
