Missouri earned its first win in series history against LSU by defeating them 89-76 and the LSU Tigers now lead the all-time series 2-1. Today’s meeting was the first in Columbia.

"I think that we were very good offensively the entire game," said Mizzou head coach Frank Haith. "I thought that Laurence (Bowers) gave us a nice lift in the high post when LSU went zone and made some really nice plays. You have to have guys that can knock down shots, and we did that today. It's a good win, LSU is a very good team."

 

Missouri improved to 83-4 at Mizzou Arena since the 2008-09 season.

 

Missouri pushed its home court winning streak to 17 games, which ties for the seventh longest in school history. The Tigers last won 17 straight at home in 2010-11. The streak is also the fifth longest active run in America and could move up to fourth pending Louisiana Tech’s home outcome tonight vs. San Jose State.

 

Laurence Bowers scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to record his sixth double-double of the year. 

 

Alex Oriakhi also recorded a double-double, his 10th of the season. It’s the most double-doubles for a Tigers since Linas Kleiza grabbed 10 in 2004-05. Oriakhi finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.

 

Oriakhi is now in the Top 10 for blocked shots in a season at Mizzou. Oriakhi has 47 following today’s game, ninth all time.

"This is where we've been hoping to get to with Laurence getting back in the lineup," said Haith. "To have him getting back in to rhythm after being out and now playing well with Alex who we really established when Laurence went out is big for us. Now we have both of these guys playing at a high level."

The Tigers improved to 16-0 at home this year and will look to finish the 2012-13 regular season unbeaten at home on Tuesday vs. Arkansas. That Tuesday night game (6 p.m.) will be the final at home for seniors Keion Bell, Laurence Bowers and Alex Oriakhi. Missouri was last undefeated at home in 2008-09. Fans are encouraged to wear Gold to Tuesday’s home finale.