Missouri dominates in the paint in rout of VMI

Mark Mitchell scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Missouri rolled over Virginia Military Institute 106-68 Sunday in Columbia, Mo.

Anthony Robinson II had 20 points, four assists and four steals for the Tigers (3-0).

Jayden Stone scored 16 points for Missouri, and Jacob Crews and Sebastian Mack each added 14.

TJ Johnson poured in 31 points, and Mario Tatum Jr. added 15 for the Keydets (2-1).

The Tigers overwhelmed the Keydets inside, outscoring them 60-2 in the paint and outrebounding them 50-25. VMI launched 42 shots from 3-point range and hung around for a half.

VMI broke out to a quick 6-1 lead with AJ Clark's 3-point jumper and Johnson's three free throws.

The Tigers attacked the Keydets' matchup zone with passes to Mitchell at the high post and offensive rebound conversions. Mitchell scored eight points in the first 5:41 and he put Missouri up 13-12 with a three-point play.

Cal Liston's 3-point jumper gave VMI a 19-15 lead, then the Tigers answered with a 7-0 run sparked by Mitchell and T.O. Barrett putbacks.

Robinson put Missouri ahead 28-22 with a step-back 3-point jumper, then a steal and dunk. After Johnson hit another 3-point jumper for VMI, the Tigers pushed out to an 11-point lead.

Johnson kept the Keydets in range by making two more 3-point jumpers and four free throws late in the half.

Missouri took a 50-40 lead into the break, thanks to big advantages in second-chance points (10-2), points off turnovers (15-6) and free throws made (15-9). VMI stayed in the game with 9-for-22 shooting (40.9%) from 3-point range.

Transition baskets by Mitchell and Mack got the Tigers rolling in the second half. A three-point jumper by Crews, a runout by Stone and Mitchell's three free throws propelled Missouri to a 73-50 lead.

From there, VMI got no closer than 20 points.

--Field Level Media