COLUMBIA, Mo. – In his last game inside Mizzou Arena, Jordan Barnett scored 43 points, grabbed 20 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead Christian Brothers College High School to an 86-77 overtime win over Hickman to claim the 2014 Missouri Class 5 State Championship. Head coach Kim Anderson announced Tuesday that the Texas sophomore forward, a former CBC star and top recruit from the Show-Me State, has transferred to the University of Missouri and joined the program.

A 6-7, 215-pound forward, Barnett will sit out as part of his transfer requirements for a year-long period and be eligible to play in the second half of the 2016-17 season as a junior.

Barnett was widely considered one of the country’s Top 100 players coming out of high school, as he was ranked 70th overall by Rivals.com and 86th by ESPN.com. He averaged 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as a senior for CBC, leading head coach Justin Tatum’s team to a 25-7 overall record and the state title. He was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s All-Metro Player of the Year at the conclusion of his final prep campaign.

“We’re excited to have Jordan join our Mizzou Basketball family,” Anderson said. “He’s an outstanding basketball player, but most importantly, he’s an exceptional young man from here in the state of Missouri from a good family. Over the course of his college career, Jordan has shown his potential in both the classroom and on the court. We know he is eager to represent his home state on the biggest stage.”

Barnett also led CBC in scoring as a junior and sophomore, averaging 17.7 points and 14.2 points during those respective seasons. As a sophomore, he helped lead the Cadets to an appearance in the Missouri Class 5 quarterfinals.

A former standout on the Nike EYBL circuit with the St. Louis Eagles, Barnett received coaching from current Mizzou assistant coach Corey Tate, who served as the Eagles’ head coach prior to coming onboard in Columbia for the 2015-16 season.

“I wanted to come back home to play,” Barnett said. “I‘ve been around Mizzou a lot growing up, so I’m very familiar with the school. It really feels fitting that I’d be back here. I am excited to play for Kim Anderson, because I know he is a good person and a great coach.”

Barnett appeared in four games at Texas as a sophomore this season, averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. In his final appearance for the Longhorns, he recorded 12 points and five rebounds in 13 minutes of action vs. UT-San Antonio (Dec. 8).

Barnett scored a season-high 11 points vs. Lipscomb (Dec. 16, 2014) as a freshman, appearing in 21 games overall and averaging 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

The son of Karen Barnett and Bob Bonner, Barnett was born Dec. 31, 1995, in St. Louis, Mo. He has one older half-brother, R.J. Bonner, and one older half-sister, Chelsye Witcher. His father played basketball collegiately at Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, Texas).

— Mizzou Athletics —

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Freshman guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for the fourth time this season, it was announced Tuesday. Cunningham averaged 14.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game against No. 7/6 Mississippi State and Arkansas last week.

Against Mississippi State on Thursday evening, Cunningham scored a game-high 22 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. It marked the sixth 20-plus point performance during her freshman season. The victory against Mississippi State marked the highest-ranked opponent Mizzou has defeated since upsetting then-No. 4 Baylor on Jan. 4, 2006. She followed that performance up with six points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals at Arkansas on Sunday afternoon.

Cunningham averages a team-leading 14.2 points per game and ranks second on the squad with 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. She ranks 11th in the SEC in points and is the only freshman in the league’s top 15 in scoring. She ranks second in the league in free throw percentage (81.4), third in field goal percentage (52.6) and 15th in assists (2.8). Cunningham was also named SEC Freshman of the Week on Nov. 17, Nov. 24 and Dec. 8.

The No. 23 Tigers (15-3, 2-3) return to action on Thursday with a 7 p.m. CT tipoff at No. 13 Texas A&M (13-5, 3-2) on SEC Network Plus/WatchESPN.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Six outstanding former University of Missouri athletic figures have been selected for induction into Mizzou’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.  They will represent the 26th induction class since the inception of the Hall in 1990.

The class will be formally inducted Fri., Feb. 26th, in a ceremony and celebration to be held that evening at the Columns Club at Memorial Stadium (East Side).  The group will also be recognized at the Mizzou Basketball game the next day against Texas A&M.  The Friday celebration is open to the public, and a limited amount of tickets are available for purchase for $40 by ordering online at www.TSFMizzou.com/HOF.  Table sponsorships are also available.

The 2015 class is full of star-studded performers who have been among the best in Mizzou history in their sports.  Here is a look at this year’s inductees, with more extensive biographical information which follows:

CLASS OF 2015

Danario Alexander – Football (2006-09) [Native of Marlin, Texas]

Overcame numerous serious injuries to establish himself as the Mizzou record holder for most career receiving yards … Had a monster senior season which saw him win first-team All-American honors as he led the NCAA with 1,781 yards on 113 receptions and 14 touchdowns.;

Max Askren – Wrestling (2006-10) [Native of Hartland, Wisc.]

Won an NCAA title as a senior in 2010 at 184 pounds (one of five Mizzou wrestlers to win a national championship), and was a three-time NCAA All-American, a two-time Big 12 Conference champion, as well as a four-time Academic All-American.;

Russ Bell – Track & Field (2000-03) /Football (2002-03) [Native of Jefferson City, Mo.]

A standout two-sport performer who was a four-time All-American in various throws for the track and field team, while he also became a high-quality defensive lineman as a walk-on to the Mizzou Football team for two years, eventually starting 12 games.;

Jack Davis – Track & Field (1955-57) / Baseball (1955-57) [Native of Kansas City, Mo.]

An outstanding two-sport standout who achieved at the highest level for Mizzou in both baseball and track and field.  Won 1st-Team All-American baseball honors as a senior in 1957 when he hit .437 and was a conference champion sprinter/hurdler who held MU records.;

Dr. Rick McGuire – Track & Field Coach (1983-2010)

Longtime coach who developed 143 All-American performers, 100 conference champions, 29 USATF National Team picks, 7 NCAA champions, 5 Olympians, 3 World Champions, 2 Olympic silver medalists and 3 collegiate record holders in his illustrious career.;

Sarah Shire – Gymnastics (2008-10) [Native of Columbia, Mo.]

Arguably the top gymnast to ever wear a leotard for Mizzou, who was a four-time All-American as well as a two-time Big 12 Gymnast of the Year.  Was national runner-up on the floor exercise in 2010 as she led the Tigers to their first-ever team appearance at the NCAA championships.

Here’s a more extensive look at this year’s class:

Danario Alexander – Football (2006-09)

Overcame numerous serious knee injuries to post a storybook end to his career as he emerged as one of the top receivers in the nation, as well as one of the most prolific pass-catchers in Mizzou history … Won 1st-Team All-American honors as a senior in 2009, after beginning the year well off the national radar … Led the nation that year with 1,781 receiving yards on 113 receptions, with 14 touchdowns – all three marks which broke Mizzou single-season records … Was a consensus 1st-Team All-Big 12 performer in 2009, who was also voted a team captain by his teammates that year … Ended his career with an MU-record 2,778 receiving yards, and excelled in the classroom as he earned his undergraduate degree from MU in sociology in December of 2009 – needing just three-and-a-half years to accomplish that, as he came to campus and played as a true freshman in the fall of 2006 … Turned in nine 100-yard receiving games in his record-setting senior season, including consecutive 200-yard games against Baylor (214) and the next week at Kansas State (200) … His next two games included 173 yards against Iowa State followed by a career-best 233-yard outing against Kansas (15 receptions, one touchdown) to cap an astounding four-week stretch … Did all of this despite having numerous surgeries on his knee, after suffering a severe injury in the 2007 Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma … Came back the next season and played in 12 games, but was far from 100 percent, and he missed six games in his career, or his numbers would likely have been more impressive … As a true freshman, played in 13 games and caught 15 passes for 251 yards and 1 touchdown, which was a 74-yarder for a score in the 2006 Sun Bowl … Missed four games as a sophomore due to injuries, but improved numbers to 37 receptions for 417 yards and two touchdowns, including a brilliant 8-catch, 117-yard, one-touchdown outing against #2 Kansas in the game at Arrowhead Stadium where Mizzou defeated their rivals, 36-28, and ascended to #1 in the national polls afterward … As a junior in 2008, was still working through recovery on his injured knee, but played in 12 games and caught 26 passes for 329 yards and five touchdowns, despite missing two games.

Max Askren – Wrestling (2006-10)

One of the most decorated wrestlers in Mizzou history, who is one of five Tigers all-time to win an individual NCAA championship, when he claimed the 184 pound title in 2010 as a senior … Was a three-time NCAA All-American, starting with a 7th-place finish at 197 pounds in 2008, followed by a 5th-place showing at 197 in 2009 … Wrapped up his career by dropping to the lower weight class, where he closed out his stellar career by going 20-2 overall and helping lead the Tigers to a 10th-place team showing in the championships in 2010 … Helped Mizzou to three top-11 team finishes at the NCAA Championship meet, including a 7th-place team finish in 2009, 10th in 2010 and 11th in 2008 … Finished his career with a stellar mark of 104-16 overall (.867) which is the 4th-best career winning percentage in program history … His 104 career victories rank as the 17th-most in MU Wrestling annals … Was a two-time Big 12 Conference champion at 197 pounds (2007, 2008) … Was a standout in the classroom as well, as he was a four-time National Wrestling Coaches’ Association Academic All-American (2007-10), while he also took home 1st-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in each of those seasons … His 21 career major decisions ranks 10th-best at Mizzou … Won the team’s Most Outstanding Wrestler award for his 2010 title-winning season, three years after he began his career by winning the team’s Most Outstanding Freshman award in 2007 … Was preceded in the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame by his older brother, Ben, who was also a national champion wrestler for the Tigers.

Russ Bell – Track & Field/Football (2000-03)

Was a two-sport standout for Mizzou who left as one of the top throwers in Mizzou Track and Field history, while he walked on to the football team for his final two years of eligibility and turned into a big contributor on the Tiger defensive line … In track, he established himself among the best overall throwers in a program which is tradition rich … Was a four-time All-American in four different weight events, finishing 5th in the NCAA Indoor Weight Throw in 2002, 7th in the NCAA Indoor Shot Put in 2003, 9th in the NCAA Outdoor Hammer Throw in 2002 and 11th in the NCAA Outdoor Discus in 2001 … Overall, he qualified for the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships 10 times in his career … Was a team captain in track and won the Big 12 championship in the hammer throw in 2003, while earning All-Big 12 status 12 times during his career … Was ranked in the top-25 of U.S. Collegiate throwers in three events, and was a 2002 and 2003 USATF Championships qualifier in the shot put, while also earning a spot on the 1999 U.S. National Junior Team … Has the #2 all-time Mizzou marks still in three different throws: indoor shot put (63’-2”), outdoor shot put (64’-1.25”) and discus (197’-9”), while he’s also still #3 in the weight throw (71’-3.75”) and #4 in the hammer throw (209’-1”) … Joined the Mizzou football team as a walk-on prior to the 2002 seasons and not only earned two letters, but eventually worked his way into the starting lineup for 12 games over two years at defensive tackle … Saw action in 25 games during the 2002-03 seasons, and was part of Mizzou’s 2003 Independence Bowl team … Ended his career with 80 tackles in the trenches, including 14.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 quarterback sacks, along with three pass break ups … Made a big enough of an impression in his short time on the gridiron to earn a free-agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2004 NFL Draft … Was an outstanding student who won 1st-Team Academic All-Big 12 football honors in 2003.

Jack Davis – Baseball/Track & Field (1955-57)

An outstanding two-sport standout who achieved at the highest level in both baseball and track and field, and is considered by many from the era as one of the best all-around athletes to ever play for Mizzou … Was a 1st-Team All-American for the Mizzou Baseball team as a senior in 1957, when he hit for an eye-popping .437 average … His career batting average of .399 still stands today as the all-time Mizzou record, and might very well never be broken … Was an All-Conference selection in baseball all three years he played (1955-56-57) and was an All-District pick as well in 1957 … Was the only Big Seven player to be chosen a first-team All-American that season … In track, was a standout sprinter and hurdler who at one time held Mizzou records in both the 60-yard dash and the 60-yard low hurdles … Was a Big Seven Conference champ in the 60-yard low hurdles, and also finished second one year in the Big Seven 60-yard dash … Once ran the 70-yard low hurdles in 7.7 seconds at the 1956 Iowa Duals, a time which bettered the American record of 7.8 seconds at the time … Was drafted by and signed a professional contract with the New York Yankees after his days at Mizzou, and spent several years with their Triple A affiliate.

Dr. Rick McGuire – Track & Field Coach (1983-2010)

The face of Mizzou Track and Field for nearly 30 years who became known for not only what his teams accomplished on the track, but just as much for his legacy of sports psychology and positive coaching, which eventually developed into the nationally-renowned Positive Coaching School at MU … Coached 143 All-Americans, 100 conference champions, 29 USATF National Team picks, 7 NCAA champions, 5 Olympians, 3 World Champions, 2 Olympic silver medalists and 3 collegiate record holders in his time at Mizzou … Helped develop some of the most notable athletes in Mizzou history, including Christian Cantwell (3-time World Champion, Olympic silver medalist), Natasha Kaiser (Collegiate record holder, 2-time Olympian, Olympic silver medalist), Derrick Peterson (Collegiate record holder, Olympian), Hans Uldal (Olympian), Chris Rohr (All-American, Big 12 record holder) and Pam Page (Olympian), among countless others … Was the Big 12 Conference Indoor Coach of the Year in 2000, the same year that he was inducted into the prestigious Drake Relays Hall of Fame … Was a longtime nationally-respected leader and ambassador for the sport who served as the president of the NCAA Division I Track and Field Coaches Association from 2006-09 … Also served as a sport psychology consultant to many different national teams from 1987 to 1996, including the U.S. Olympic team for the Atlanta 1996 Olympics … Took great pride and made a huge emphasis on the academic performance of his teams annually were recognized nationally among the best in the classroom.

Sarah Shire – Gymnastics (2008-10)

One of the all-time greats to ever don a Mizzou leotard, and many would argue she is the most talented thus far … An all-around standout who was a dynamic and powerful tumbler for the Tigers over a three-year period after transferring to Mizzou following her freshman season at Utah … Won four All-American honors in her time at Mizzou, including a runner-up finish on the floor exercise at the 2010 NCAA Championships … Enjoyed a dominant senior season in 2010 in which she was one of four finalists for the national gymnast of the year award (Honda Award), as she won 11 different all-around meet titles and 36 event titles during the year (a program season record) … Was a two-time Big 12 Gymnast of the Year (2009,2010), both years during which she won the Big 12 all-around championship … Twice was named the South Central Region Gymnast of the Year (2009-10) … Won the Big 12 vault title in 2009 and 2010, and was also the Big 12 balance beam champ in 2009 … Claimed four NCAA Regional event championships, and she helped lead Mizzou to its first NCAA Championship finals team appearance in the 12-team era … Still holds or is tied for three Mizzou individual records: all-around (39.725), uneven bars (9.950) and floor exercise (9.975) … Was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year in her first year competing for the Tigers (2008).

The Hall’s constitution and bylaws express its purpose – “…to recognize and honor those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the achievements and prestige of the University of Missouri in the field of athletics, and who have continued to demonstrate in their lives, the values imparted by intercollegiate athletics.”

The current class will up the membership to 202 individuals and four teams in the Hall of Fame.  Inductees are honored in a display located in the main entrance at Mizzou Arena.

— Mizzou Athletics —

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Jessica Jackson scored 15 points and Alecia Cooley and Melissa Wolff had double-doubles to lead Arkansas to a 64-52 victory over No. 24 Missouri on Sunday.

Cooley had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Wolff 11 points and 10 boards.

The Razorbacks (8-10, 3-2 SEC), who were coming off a win over No. 13 Tennessee, are 3-1 in the last 10 days against Top 25 teams.

Arkansas’ starters all reached double figures and shot all of the Razorbacks’ 38 free throws, making 29, to outscore the Tigers by 17 at the line.

Sierra Michaelis scored 18 points and Cierra Porter 14 for Missouri (15-3, 2-3).

A 9-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters gave Missouri its first lead since early in the second period. But the Razorbacks scored 10 straight points to lead 58-47 with 3:18 left and Missouri could only get within eight.

— Associated Press —

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — That No. 19 South Carolina’s 81-72 win over Missouri was ugly hardly bothered Gamecocks coach Frank Martin.

South Carolina (16-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) missed shots, but they hit the boards and shook off any bad feelings from its first loss of the year, a surprising 21-point drubbing at Alabama.

“It wasn’t about making shots. It was about playing our kind of basketball. We weren’t great, but I thought we played more to who we are,” Martin said.

South Carolina outrebounded Missouri 41-26 and had 17 offensive rebounds to five for the Tigers. The Gamecocks made three of their 21 3-point attempts.

But while they never trailed, the Gamecocks also never could put the overmatched Tigers (8-9, 1-3) away either.

Missouri was playing its first game since banning itself from the SEC tournament and any other postseason appearances for NCAA violations. And the Tigers started the game without much fire, turning the ball over five times and missing two shots — including a 3-point attempt that wedged in the side of the rim — in their first seven possessions.

South Carolina went up 8-0, but never pushed the lead over 13 points the rest of the way.

“Some of the shots they we made were tough, deep shots. Once they started making shots, their confidence would build,” said Sindarius Thornwell, who led the Gamecocks with 22 points.

Mindaugas Kacinas added 14 points for South Carolina, while freshman PJ Dozier had 11.

Wes Clark led Missouri with a career-best 26 points and had eight assists, accounting for almost two-thirds of Missouri’s 28 baskets. He was 10 of 16 from the field and had six rebounds.

South Carolina looked lethargic at times. There wasn’t much movement to the offense, and they turned the ball over 13 times.

The defense struggled, too. Missouri shot 49.1 percent in the first half and Ryan Rosburg had 12 points, hitting all six of his shots.

“We’ve been down like that before, and it has gone the other way. Maybe we are learning something,” Missouri coach Kim Anderson said.

But it wasn’t enough for the Tigers to win their first road game for Anderson in his second season. Missouri’s last win on the road came 21 games ago at Arkansas in January 2014.

“Someday we will win one,” Anderson said. “It will be big news.”

TIP-INS

Missouri: The Tigers shot 36.8 percent from 3-point range. They came into the game shooting 32 percent from behind the arc. … Missouri’s leading scorer and rebounder, Kevin Puryear, had two points and one rebound in 12 minutes as he struggled with foul trouble.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks shot 66.7 percent (22 of 33) from the free throw line. Missouri made nine of 13 free throws. … South Carolina won three of its first four SEC games for the first time since 2011. … The team honored Thornwell before the game for being the 42nd Gamecock to score 1,000 points in his career.

CLARK’S RETURN

Clark’s last trip to South Carolina ended horrifically, when Michael Carrera landed on his arm in a scramble, leaving his elbow turned at a grotesque angle.

“There was a little nervousness. But as time went on, I got to playing and I didn’t think about it,” the junior said.

Martin noted Clark’s amazing game Saturday and the 11 points he scored against the Gamecocks before the injury last year.

“I tell you what — he loves kicking our tails,” Martin said.

SPECIAL GUEST

New South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp appeared at halftime, introducing his assistants. Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott got the biggest cheer. Elliott was the interim coach last season after Steve Spurrier stepped down and went 1-5 in the role. He was the only assistant Muschamp retained.

Muschamp didn’t say much, but ended with a promise.

“I can only guarantee you one thing: We’re not going to get outworked,” Muschamp said.

UP NEXT

Missouri hosts Georgia on Wednesday.

South Carolina is at Mississippi on Tuesday.

— Associated Press —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Head Football Coach Barry Odom has added Joe Jon Finley to his new coaching staff, as announced Friday.  Finley will serve as Mizzou’s tight ends coach, a position in which he was an all-conference performer in his playing days for the Oklahoma Sooners and has helped coach for several seasons at the Power Five level.  He spent the 2015 season on the coaching staff at Baylor, where he worked extensively with the tight ends as an offensive quality control specialist.

This past season, the Baylor offense was among the most potent in the nation, as the Bears led the country in both total offense (616 ypg) and scoring (48.1 ppg), while ranking in the top-25 nationally in numerous other categories, just a few of which included rushing (2nd – 327 ypg), passing efficiency (3rd – 171 rating),  fewest sacks allowed (15th – 1.1 per game), 3rd down percentage (16th – 46.7%) and passing yardage (24th – 290 ypg).

Finley’s appointment rounds out the hiring of Odom’s full-time coaching staff.  Details of Finley’s contract will be released once fully executed, along with the completion of human resources procedures.

“Joe Jon brings great energy and enthusiasm to our program, he is a winner who has proven himself in a short time to be a valuable asset offensively in run game organization, concepts and teaching,” said Odom.  “He has great experience working with the tight end position at a couple of very successful programs, and he’s gone from playing that position at a very high level to carrying that over into coaching.  I’m excited about his experience with tempo, as well as his deep ties with recruiting in Texas, where both his father and brother have been high school coaches.  His knowledge of that area, as well as his prior relationships with our staff make him a great fit for what we’re looking for,” he said.

Finley has ties to three members of Odom’s new staff at Mizzou, as his time at Oklahoma as a player (2003-07) and staff member (2012-13) overlapped with current MU offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel (coached at OU from 2003-04, 2006-14), current MU defensive line coach Chris Wilson (coached at OU from 2005-09) and current MU safeties coach Ryan Walters (coached at OU in 2012).

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity at such a great university and with a program that I believe is going to do big things,” Finley said.  “I’m very excited to get to work with Coach Odom and the staff he’s put together.  I’ve known of Coach Odom for a long time, I’d heard about him and his family growing up and I’m very excited to be part of his team.  I can tell he’s going to bring great energy and work ethic to the table for this staff and program.  I’m also looking forward to working again with Josh Heupel.  I know what kind of worker he is and the mind he has, he’s done nothing but win everywhere he’s been.  It’s a great step for me at a great place and I can’t wait to get to work,” he said.

Following his playing career at Oklahoma, Finley spent parts of five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2008-10 practice squad), Detroit Lions (2010-11) and Carolina Panthers (2012 training camp).  He was activated to the 53-man roster for the Lions during the 2011 season.  After being released from the Lions in 2011, he started his coaching career at Los Fresnos (Texas) High School, where he assisted with the offensive line under head coach and older brother Clint.  After spending time in training camp in 2012 with the Carolina Panthers, Finley got back into the coaching side, as he became an offensive graduate assistant (quality control) for his alma mater Oklahoma.

At OU, he assisted the tight ends/tackles coach in every facet of the job, and assisted in game planning for Heupel as the Sooners posted a 10-3 record, shared the Big 12 title and earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl as part of the 2012 season.  Oklahoma followed with an 11-2 season in 2013, which included a 45-31 win over #3 Alabama to cap the season in the 2014 Sugar Bowl.  He spent the 2014 season back at Los Fresnos High School, before joining Baylor for the 2015 campaign.  Los Fresnos reached the third round of the state playoffs in 2014, marking the deepest post-season run in school history.

Finley was a standout tight end at Oklahoma, where he was a four-year letterman for the Sooners, and part of three Big 12 championship squads (2004, 2006 and 2007).  He totaled 775 yards and 10 touchdowns on 62 career receptions in 50 games.  He captained OU’s 2007 Big 12 championship team which finished ranked 8th nationally, and was on the 2004 Big 12 title squad that played in the BCS Championship Game.  He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention acclaim as both a junior and senior, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from OU in 2008.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri got a jump on Mississippi State for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season.

Sophie Cunningham scored 18 of her 22 points in the final 15 minutes and No. 24 Missouri rode a big early lead to a 66-54 victory over No. 7 Mississippi State on Thursday night.

Missouri (15-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) scored on 11 of 14 first-quarter possessions to take a 23-11 lead. The Tigers made 10 of 15 field-goal attempts in the first quarter, and three of those misses were collected for offensive rebounds and turned into second-chance points.

“Our mentality at the very beginning of the game was supreme confidence, and that’s how we took the court,” said Jordan Frericks, who added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Missouri.

Victoria Vivians led Mississippi State (16-2, 3-1) with 19 points. The Bulldogs had won 11 straight.

“That was pretty much a good old-fashion getting taken to the woods for a woodshed whipping,” Mississippi State coach Vic Schaefer said.

Mississippi State is the highest-ranked opponent Missouri has beaten since it upset then-No. 4 Baylor on Jan. 4, 2006.

The Bulldogs grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, but that wasn’t enough to offset their 27.6-percent shooting from the field.

“That’s sometimes life on the road,” Schaefer said. “We obviously didn’t shoot it well, didn’t play very well, and you got to give them all the credit for causing that.”

Missouri’s hot start was a stark contrast compared to its two other games this season against ranked opponents. The Tigers trailed Tennessee 24-11 less than 10 minutes into a 71-55 loss on Jan. 4 and trailed South Carolina 25-10 just more than 13 minutes into Sunday’s 83-58 loss.

Thursday’s result could prove to be a key one for a Missouri team seeking its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006.

“We all agree one win against a Top 10 team isn’t going to define our season,” Missouri coach Robin Pingeton said, “but certainly when you look at the big picture of selection show Monday and what people are looking for and how they match you up against other teams, you got to have that win. You got to have that win against a ranked opponent.”

Cunningham, a freshman guard, entered the game as Missouri’s leading scorer at 14.3 points per game, but she had been held to single digits in each of her first three SEC games.

Foul trouble limited her to seven minutes in the first half against Mississippi State, but she took control after halftime. During one stretch in the second half, 16 of Missouri’s 20 points came from Cunningham, as the Tigers edged away after the Bulldogs started the second half strong.

“It was just me actually executing, me staying focused,” Cunningham said. “Those first (three) games in the SEC, those were some tough, tough games, but I’m also a freshman, so I have to learn from my mistakes.”

The Tigers had their largest lead at 33-13 after Frericks’ put-back with 4:59 remaining in the second quarter, causing Schaefer to call a timeout. The Bulldogs closed the half on a 12-3 run. They trimmed their deficit to 38-31 on Teaira McCowan’s basket with 7:11 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs never got any closer.

TIP-INS

Mississippi State: Vivians reached double figures scoring for the 17th straight game, but she was 6 for 18 from the field. She entered Thursday leading the SEC in scoring at 17.9 points per game. The Bulldogs entered Thursday ranked 13th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 52.2 points per game. Missouri became Mississippi State’s seventh opponent this season to score at least 60 points.

Missouri: Three of the Tigers’ first four SEC games have come against ranked opponents. Missouri beat Mississippi State for the first time in five tries.

UP NEXT

No. 7 Mississippi State hosts Mississippi on Monday.

No. 24 Missouri visits Arkansas on Sunday.

— Associated Press —

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – The University of Missouri admitted NCAA violations in its men’s basketball program dating to 2011 and banned itself Wednesday from the postseason this year and vacated all 23 wins from the 2013-14 season.

The NCAA is still investigating and Missouri said it was working with the organization in hopes of limiting the punishment to its self-imposed sanctions, which includes the SEC tournament.

“We have faced this issue head-on,” athletic director Mack Rhoades said. “These are not decisions we took lightly. We really felt like it was the right thing to do, and it will help put us in position to move this program forward.”

Missouri was 23-12 in 2013-14, Frank Haith’s final season. Haith left for Tulsa not long after the school received a verbal notice of inquiry from the NCAA in April 2014.

The Tigers won just nine games last season under new coach Kim Anderson and are 8-8 this season, coming off the worst loss in Mizzou Arena history — a 94-61 setback to Arkansas on Tuesday that Anderson said made him “embarrassed.”

“A lot of things run through your head,” Anderson said. “I’m disappointed that the actions of a few individuals have put our program in this type of situation.”

Anderson said he wasn’t aware of the investigation when he was hired and felt bad for forward Ryan Rosburg, the lone senior on the team. Rhoades said he was aware last March when he replaced AD Mike Alden and said he has “worked extensively from Day 1 to resolve this.”

The school hopes the issue will be resolved this spring.

“Every kid’s goal is to go the NCAA Tournament, so obviously when that’s taken away there’s disappointment,” Anderson said. “I think we did the right thing. We felt like it was best to do it now and then move forward and put it behind us.”

Haith was suspended for five games by the NCAA at the start of the 2013-14 season for inadequately monitoring former assistants interactions with a disgraced Miami booster and then trying to cover up a five-figure hush money payment to keep potential violations hidden.

The investigation found that Haith and Miami assistant coach Jake Morton paid Nevin Shapiro $10,000 after he threatened to expose previous improper contact with high school recruits and amateur coaches.

Haith’s attorney, Scott Tompsett, said his client did not learn about the NCAA investigation last February when the NCAA contacted Tulsa to inform the school of it. Tompsett said Haith cooperated fully with the NCAA and has been informed that he will not be charged with any violations or wrongdoing.

“It has been Coach Haith’s position throughout this investigation that he acted appropriately at all times and that he monitored his program and promoted an atmosphere of compliance,” Tompsett said. “The fact that the enforcement staff has not charged Coach Haith with any violations validates our position.”

The Tigers didn’t practice Wednesday and Anderson said he told players to “reset your goals.” He also said there was no need to “sugarcoat” the message.

“Who knows whether we would qualify for the postseason?” Anderson said. “Today, I would say I don’t know.”

Besides the postseason ban, the school has stripped itself of one scholarship this season and a second scholarship no later than the 2017-18 season, plus has restricted recruiting through 2016-17. It also said it would pay a $5,000 fine.

The school permanently banned one unidentified donor who the NCAA said provided impermissible benefits to three players and one recruit in 2013-14. The benefits included compensation for work not done at a business through a summer intern program, along with housing, $520 cash, local transportation, iPads, meals and use of a local gym.

“It is clear from our collaborative investigation with the NCAA that a former member of our athletics staff and members of our donor community violated NCAA bylaws, and we take those actions seriously,” Chancellor Hank Foley said.

A second donor has been banned for two years after providing 11 players and three members of one player’s family reduced rates at a hotel along with meals and a ride on a recreational boat. A student manager also provided transportation for multiple players to the hotel from the campus.

The school was hit with a third major infraction for failing to adequately monitor the internship program.

Two minor infractions were cited. A former associate head coach helped a recruit relocate by providing the phone number of the recruit’s mother to the second donor to arrange for rental housing, and the first donor had multiple impermissible contacts with a recruit.

The school said there is no evidence that any current staff members were aware of the violations.

Anderson said he didn’t think the self-imposed penalties would impact recruiting, then added, “Yeah, it makes it more difficult.”

“This is a great school,” Anderson said. “Obviously, we’re a program that’s rebuilding. The interest level in our program has been very good.”

— Associated Press —

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Arkansas’s first road win of the season was a blowout of historic proportions, 94-61 over Missouri Tuesday night.

It was the Tigers’ worst loss in the 11-year history of Mizzou Arena.

“I’m embarrassed,” Missouri coach Kim Anderson said. “I thought we had played pretty well the other night against Auburn, but tonight, we didn’t respond very well early in the game.”

The Razorbacks shot 62.7 percent from the field, the highest shooting percentage in a Southeastern Conference game in school history.

Moses Kingsley had 24 points, five rebounds and four blocks. Kingsley made 8 of 8 from the field and converted on 8 of 10 free-throw attempts. He also had three assists, matching a career high.

“I thought he dominated the game from start to finish,” Anderson said of Kingsley. “We didn’t have an answer for him. We tried everybody.”

Missouri forward Kevin Puryear defended Kingsley on and off, and was impressed with his abilities.

“He was definitely a presence,” said Puryear. “He’s a good player. We just didn’t do a good enough job containing him inside. When we head to Buck Walton (Arena) we definitely need to pay more attention to that and make him more of a focal point.”

Dusty Hannahs added 20 points on 8 of 10 shooting and Jimmy Whitt scored a career-high 15, including nine in the second half.

Arkansas (9-7, 3-1) didn’t allow a field goal for the first 6:32 of the first half and opened the game on a 13-4 run. Missouri (8-8, 1-2) committed 14 turnovers leading to 23 Arkansas points.

“I thought from start to finish, our guys were really locked in on defense,” Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said. “We continue to really stress our defense. Our defense created some offense for us.”

Terrence Phillips led the way for the Tigers with 16 points. Namon Wright and Tramaine Isabell each had nine points.

The Razorbacks made 8 of 15 from 3-point range while Missouri hit just 3 of 15 from beyond the arc. Arkansas made 5 of 6 3-pointers in the second half, helping them to close the game on a 43-17 run.

“We were very efficient in sharing the basketball,” Mike Anderson said. “When you shoot sixty-something percent on the road, your chances of winning are pretty darn high.”

—

TIP-INS

Arkansas: The Razorbacks are the only Power 5 Conference team with three players averaging more than 15 points per game. Hannahs averages 16.3, Kingsley 16.8 and Anthlon Bell 17.3…Kingsley is the first Razorback in the last 30 years to with eight double-doubles through the first 12 games…Whitt attended Rock Bridge High School in Columbia.

Missouri: Terrence Phillips had a four-game streak of four or more assists snapped…Puryear, Missouri’s leading scorer (12.5 per game) and rebounder (4.9), finished with eight and three… Anderson, who left Missouri to coach Arkansas in 2011, is 4-3 against the Tigers.

UP NEXT

Arkansas visits LSU Saturday.

Missouri visits No. 19 South Carolina Saturday.

— Associated Press —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Head Football Coach Barry Odom has added Glen Elarbee to his new coaching staff, as announced today.  Elarbee will serve as Mizzou’s offensive line coach, a position he has coached successfully for the past six seasons at several programs, including the last two while also serving as co-offensive coordinator at Arkansas State.  In 2015 the Red Wolves went a perfect 8-0 in Sun Belt Conference play to win the league championship and earn a bid to the New Orleans Bowl, thanks largely to an offensive line which paved the way as ASU ranked 12th nationally in scoring offense (40.0 avg.) and 15th in the nation in rushing (231.3 ypg).

Two of his pupils this past season at ASU earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors (T Jemar Clark and G Colton Jackson), while a third (C Robert Mondie) was a third-team all-league pick.  In all, the Arkansas State offense averaged just under 440 yards per game of total offense this past season, which ranked 37th nationally.  Details of Elarbee’s contract will be released once fully executed, along with the completion of human resources procedures.

“I’ve had a chance to coach against Glen in three of the last four seasons, and after every game we played I came away with a lot of respect for how his group played,” said Odom.  “He’s been around a lot of very successful offenses that from my first-hand experience play with great toughness and attention to detail.  Glen also has strong recruiting relationships in areas that are important to us – he grew up in Georgia and has recruited there and in the southeast region heavily, as well as in Texas, and that will bring value to our staff.  I know Glen is excited to get going here, and we’re excited to have him,” he said.

Odom faced off against Elarbee this past season when Mizzou won at Arkansas State.  The two also matched wits in 2012 and 2013 when Odom was at Memphis, and while Elarbee was at Middle Tennessee (2012) and Houston (2013).

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said Elarbee.  “I’ve seen Mizzou firsthand several times at various stops and have always been impressed with the support they have and the environment their fans create.  Obviously, I had a chance to go up against Coach Odom several times recently, and I have the utmost respect for what he’s done defensively.  I thought each time he was always one of the biggest challenges we faced schematically.  Personally, I’ve gotten to know him on the road recruiting and am really impressed with the kind of person he is.  Having a chance to work with a guy like him is a no brainer, and I’m excited to get up there and get to work with this staff,” he said.

Despite having to replace four starters in 2014, Elarbee’s first season at A-State saw his offensive line pave the way for a school-record 6,194 yards of total offense, averaging 476 yards per game that ranked 20th in the nation.  He quickly molded the group into a unit that produced record-breaking results as ASU established new school standards for points (477) and touchdowns (65).  The Red Wolves’ offense ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation in numerous statistical categories while working behind the line, including scoring offense (No. 18), total offense and rushing offense (No. 25).

Behind Elarbee’s line, which included just two senior starters, A-State recorded at least 300 yards in every game, over 400 in nine contests and at least 500 in five outings.  The Red Wolves exploded for a school and Sun Belt Conference record 764 yards total offense in their regular-season finale against New Mexico State, which was also the seventh most in the nation for a single game.

Prior to A-State, Elarbee most recently spent the 2013 season as the offensive line coach for the University of Houston, helping lead the Cougars to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the BBVA Compass Bowl.  Elarbee was part of the offensive staff that helped the Cougars average 420 yards of total offense, including 280 passing yards per game that ranked 26th in the nation.  Houston also ranked 38th in the nation scoring offense with 33.2 points per game.

His lone season at Houston saw him tutor starting left tackle DeAnthony Sims, who earned all-league recognition from the American Athletic Conference after playing a total of 899 offensive snaps with 36 knockdown blocks.  Sims was part of an offense that ranked second in the AAC in scoring and fourth in sacks allowed.

Elarbee served as Middle Tennessee’s offensive line coach in 2012 before joining the Houston staff.  The Blue Raiders’ offensive line ranked second nationally in fewest sacks allowed under Elarbee, giving up just seven on 344 pass attempts.  The group, which included All-Sun Belt performer Micah James, also helped lead the way for three different 100-yard rushers.

Prior to his time at MTSU, Elarbee spent two seasons at West Georgia, first as the offensive line coach in 2010 before being elevated to offensive coordinator in 2011.  At UWG, wide receiver and return specialist Denarius Appling earned All-America honors in 2011 and was one of three offensive players to receive all-conference honors.  The 2010 season saw offensive tackle Brandon White named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year.

The Carrollton, Ga., native has additional experience coaching in bowl games as he spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons as an offensive graduate assistant at Oklahoma State and the 2007 campaign in the same role on the staff of an LSU team that captured the BCS National Championship.  The 2008 Oklahoma State offense ranked among the top 10 teams nationally in rushing, total offense, scoring and pass efficiency while the 2007 LSU squad scored at least 40 points in seven games.

Elarbee spent the 2006 season as the offensive line coach at East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss., after a year as Middle Tennessee’s tight ends coach in 2005.  Elarbee began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for his alma mater MTSU in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, when he worked alongside current Arkansas State Head Coach Blake Anderson, who served as the Blue Raiders co-offensive coordinator at the time.

As a collegiate offensive lineman, Elarbee played in 35 career games at Middle Tennessee, starting his final 23, and earned all-conference honors as a junior and senior.  A four-year letterman, Elarbee was a member of the program’s first Sun Belt Conference championship team in 2001.  He had 91 knockdowns on 735 snaps as a senior.

— Mizzou Athletics —