Sometimes you open a book or watch a movie, and within the first five pages or minutes, you can tell where it’s going to go. That’s exactly what happened in Missouri’s men’s basketball season opener against Cleveland State.
The Tigers rolled past the Vikings 111-50 after big performances from their 5-star freshman. Their highest point total was 112 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2024.
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Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant combined for 38 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Both lived up to expectations in their roles, but it was the big man from Tampa who caught Mizzou’s eyes across the arena first.
Bryant’s role became clear within the first few minutes of play: protecting the rim and knocking down the corner three, it’s amazing. He had 12 points in the half, hitting three 3-of-4 corner triples. His athleticism went off the charts against Cleveland in a state team that was lacking in this part.
It may not be the 23-0 run to start the game that the Tigers had last season against the Vikings, but they jumped out to a 15-0 advantage in the first four minutes after the rookies’ stellar play.
If Bryant brought power, Crowe yielded. His first bucket as a tiger was the trust of the three stepmothers. He finished the night shooting 4-for-7 from long range. And don’t be 6-foot-4, you stupid pound, 190 Stultet in paint. Fede pulled through two Vikings forwards in the middle, and converted one chance.
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Something to watch in the coming season was how Crowe looked as a player. He finished with two assists. Mizzou’s top facilitator was Mark Mitchell with 10 assists. The fifth-year outfielder had five assists in his first six minutes of action.
He dished out a career-high 10 assists — he previously dished out nine against Vanderbilt last season — on a drive to Crowe for his third 3-pointer of the night.
Tully’s game was a perfect example of why stock performance games shouldn’t be bought. He adapted well to his circumstances, choosing to be a part of the Union rather than needing the Tigers.
As a team, Mizzou shot 60.9% from the field and 45.2% from three-point range on 29 attempts. This is significant with a few proven shooters coming into the season. The freshman showed strength from long range, but BYU transfer Kennard Davis Jr. also provided a spark, shooting 4-for-6 from three. He finished the night with 19 points, often a secondary play initiator with Crowe on or off the ball.
The only player who didn’t shoot well from beyond the arc in high volume was Trent Pierce at 1-for-6. He still contributed by going 4-for-4 inside the arc in his 19 minutes of play.
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Bryson Tiller and Jamier Jones led the perimeter helping by making their presence felt in the paint. Cultivation was the middle engine, and no Vikings could stop Jones from going up and down.
The city of Cleveland can’t take too many positives from this outcome, other than the fact that it has come through and is on to greener pastures on its schedule. Mizzou held the Vikings to 32.8% from the field and 12.5% from three.
Now that the Tigers are feeling up for the real game, they advance to their first real test at the Enterprise Center against St. Louis at 6 p.m. this Friday.