MORGANTOWN, W.Va. _ Missouri showed fight early, but No. 14 West Virginia dominated the Tigers after halftime and won, 71-54.
The Tigers (9-10, 1-5 SEC) dropped their fourth straight game as the Mountaineers (16-3, 4-2 Big 12) pulled away on Saturday at WVU Coliseum. It was a one-point game at halftime, but West Virginia went on a 21-0 run early in the second half.
It was all the Mountaineers needed in running away with a comfortable victory.
Mizzou showed shreds of positives. In what's been a trend this season, the Tigers started the game horribly, making 2 of 21 field goals. West Virginia opened a 20-6 lead.
But Mizzou stormed back, ripping off a 17-4 run to end the first half. The Mountaineers went on a scoreless drought of 4 minutes, 58 seconds.
After trading baskets out of halftime, West Virginia sent a statement. By the time Mizzou forward Axel Okongo scored on a dunk _ his first career points _ it was too late.
The rebounding margin was a point of emphasis entering the game. West Virginia has dominated the boards all season. They did that again, outrebounding the Tigers 50-30.
Mizzou's Torrence Watson had 19 points, though a bulk of that came in garbage time. He was the only Tiger in double figures.
West Virginia's Jeremaine Haley and Miles McBride each scored 15 points.
Mizzou plays host to Georgia at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mizzou Arena in returning to SEC play.
