Missouri runs past UTPA, 100-44

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri coach Mike Anderson thought struggling guard Kim English needed to take the pressure off of himself. So he made English a reserve Sunday, hoping to kick-start English’s game.

It worked.

English scored a career-high 25 points off the bench on 9 of 12 shooting, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range, as Missouri rolled to a 100-44 victory over Texas-Pan American in the opening round of the South Padre Island Invitational.

English started both of the Tigers’ exhibition games as well as the season opener, but after shooting just 23.3 percent (7 of 30) combined, Anderson made the switch.

Though English didn’t know he wouldn’t be in the starting lineup until right before tip-off, he said it didn’t affect his game.

“We don’t have any starters, we just have 13 guys,” English said. “We all play together in practice and whatever lineup’s out there, we’ve seen it before.”

Six of English’s points came during a 28-0 first-half run by Missouri (2-0) that saw Texas-Pan American (0-4) miss 12 consecutive shots over a span of 11:19.

“I thought he came in a lot more relaxed. He wasn’t just focused on shooting,” Anderson said. “He did other things.”

The Tigers finished the first half on a 46-5 run to turn an 8-4 deficit into a 50-13 lead. The Broncs’ 13 first-half points were the fewest in a half in Mizzou Arena history. The building opened in 2004.

“I thought we were looking good at 8-4, after that it got a little shaky,” first-year Broncs coach Ryan Marks said. “The emotion of the game can really snowball on you and our spirit broke and our ability to focus got away from us.”

Marcus Denmon scored 10 points in his first career start, and freshman Michael Dixon also took advantage of his first career start, scoring nine and adding seven assists.

The game, though, belonged to English, who said he never lost confidence.

“I was shooting the ball great when I was missing it,” English said. “I always think I’m shooting the ball great. I don’t ever lose sleep over it.”

English shattered his previous career high of 17. He also added three steals and three assists.

Pan American shot just 29 percent, and Missouri outrebounded the Broncs 44-27.

Ben Smith led the Broncs with 15 points, all on 3-pointers.

Missouri standout J.T. Tiller missed the game after suffering a bone contusion on his left foot in the Tigers opener Tuesday against Tennessee-Martin.