Missouri held David Patrick’s Arkansas to 26.8 percent shooting from the field and out-rebounded Arkansas by 15 as the 12th-ranked Missouri pulled away for an 81-68 victory Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena.
Despite its shooting woes – shooting 24.2 percent in the first half, Arkansas was down by only three points at halftime (33-30). Arkansas’ struggles from the field continued into the second half but they stayed within striking distance until a 5-0 Missouri run gave them a 12-point lead with eight minutes left.
Missouri pushed its lead to 18 with 3:24 on the clock. Arkansas did not back down, trimming its deficit to 10 after a Desi Sills layup with 1:55 remaining. Mark Smith answered with a 3-pointer to put the game out of reach.
Jeremiah Tilmon led Missouri with 25 points and 11 rebounds while Xavier Pinson added 23 points. Smith finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The loss spoiled the first career double-double for Arkansas freshman Moses Moody. The Little Rock product had 18 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. JD Notae scored 19 points for Arkansas.
Arkansas did force 21 turnovers off 13 steals and only committed nine turnovers. While Arkansas took 20 more shots than Missouri, Missouri made five more field goals and had 14 assists on its 24 made baskets.
