Missouri hammers Bemidji in exhibition

~ Gardner led five players into double figures for the Tigers in a 105-56 victory.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Thomas Gardner had 22 points, and Missouri shot 64 percent to beat Bemidji State 105-56 in its opening exhibition on Wednesday night.

Marshall Brown added 14 points for the Tigers, who are coming off a 16-17 season and regrouping after losing leading scorer and rebounder Linas Kleiza to the NBA's Denver Nuggets.

Jimmy McKinney and reserve Marcus Watkins had 13 points apiece.

The Tigers also held Bemidji State, from NCAA Division II, to 29 percent shooting.

Missouri has one more exhibition, Tuesday against Missouri Southern, before beginning the regular season.

Gardner is the Tigers' top returning scorer with a 10.4-point average. He shot 8-for-14 overall and 2-for-4 from 3-point range.

Five players scored in double figures for Missouri, with Jason Horton adding 11 points and freshman Leo Lyons getting 10.

Missouri had a slow start against Bemidji State, which led 11-6 early. The Tigers benefitted from runs of 11-0 and 11-2 for a 57-33 halftime lead.

Missouri sophomore forward Glen Dandridge did not dress after violating academic policy, a school spokesman said.

Alvin Muse had 11 points and Duane Fields 10 for Bemidji State.