Mizzou freshman scores 34 points to break record in 96-58 rout

Jason Crowe Jr. scored 34 points on Monday night to set the Missouri freshman single-game scoring record, leading the Tigers to a 96-58 victory over SIU-Edwardsville in Columbia. The previous mark for a freshman was 32 points. The win improved Missouri's record to 2-1.

Crowe played with high efficiency after a poor performance against St. Louis the previous week. He shot 11 of 16 from the field and four of eight from beyond the arc. His 34 points included two four-point plays. He matched the visiting Cougars' total of 24 points with 19:28 remaining in the second half.

Coach Dennis Gates credited Crowe for simplifying his game after studying film of the loss to St. Louis. Gates said Crowe played off two feet and allowed teammates to set up his scoring opportunities. The coach noted that Crowe's frustration after the previous game was evident, but the player executed his plan effectively.

The victory was not without injury concerns for the Tigers. Star power forward Mark Mitchell left the game in the first minute after taking a blow to the face while fighting for a rebound. Mitchell returned to the locker room with trainers holding a towel to his face. An MU spokesperson later confirmed he was ruled out for the game with a head injury. Gates said Mitchell appeared to be cracked across the nose.

Mitchell's absence forced early adjustments to the rotation. Center Trent Burns played seven minutes in the first half but struggled with positioning. Forward Luke Northweather received his first minutes of the season after being held out of the previous two games as a precaution. Forward Jaylen Carey, who remains suspended indefinitely, did not appear at the arena.

Missouri controlled the statistical aspects of the game, posting 23 assists against eight turnovers. The Tigers limited SIU-Edwardsville to 16.7 percent shooting from three-point range. Toni Bryant finished with 18 points for the winner, while Bryson Tiller and Jamier Jones added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Dehrio McCaskill led SIUE with 11 points. Missouri will face Marquette at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the United Center in Chicago.