The sixth seed Missouri Tigers came into Wednesday night's 2011 Big 12 tournament game against Texas Tech as 12 point favorites but they may not get rid of the Red Raiders that easily. At halftime, Missouri leads 48-44 in a high-scoring, offensive game.
This was a good half for Texas Tech all things considered. It's been a fast-paced game, which is how Mizzou likes to play, but Texas Tech has clearly shown they can hang. Much of that comes thanks to guard John Roberson who ended the half with 15 points including a sick crossover that left a Mizzou player headed in the opposite direction.
Marcus Denmon leads the Tigers with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting while Michael Dixon has added four assists and seven points going 5-for-5 at the free throw line. Laurence Bowers got two fouls and sat for part of the half.
The surprises of the first half are Texas Tech running with Mizzou and Mizzou's Justin Safford putting in a solid eight points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. He's been effective since he's been in.
The leading story lines heading into this game were Mizzou's three-game losing streak and Texas Tech firing head coach Pat Knight (but he's completing the season).
Check out Rock M Nation and Double T Nation for more on the game. Here's the full Big 12 tournament bracket.