Missouri cruises at home

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri had been getting used to close contests before Saturday.

After playing three consecutive games that came down to the final possession, including two that went to overtime, the No. 11 Tigers took control early and went on to a 70-55 win over Presbyterian College.

Justin Safford, the team's lone senior, had 14 points and six rebounds to lead Missouri (8-1).

"That's the senior that's going to help our team," Tigers coach Mike Anderson said. "He looked really fluid out there and I thought he let the game come to him."

Freshman Phil Pressey had a career-high nine assists for Missouri -- the same amount he had in his previous six games combined -- and the Tigers had a season-high 23.

Pressey, son of former NBA player Paul Pressey, was one of Anderson's most heralded recruits entering this season. He says he's noticed the freshman point guard's struggles over the last few games.

"That's what we brought him here to do," he said. "Hopefully Pressey ain't pressing no more."

Two of those assists came on electrifying alley-oop passes, including one to Safford from near the mid-court line that warranted the loudest ovation of the afternoon. Safford said he was surprised the freshman saw him from such a distance.

"You know, he just makes the game easier, being out there on the floor like that with a guy who creates for everybody," Safford said.

Kim English also added 14 points, including four 3-pointers, for the Tigers. Missouri connected on eight shots from beyond the arc in the first half alone.

Ryan Hargrave led Presbyterian College (3-6) with 14 points.

"I lost the game in the first half," Presbyterian coach Gregg Nibert said. "I didn't think we could play these guys man-to-man. We played them zone and I just saw an unbelievable ranked team that really causes a lot of problems."