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.
Mizzou continues its season-opening homestand with an in-state showdown against UMKC on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.