Ross Boosts Missouri Past South Carolina
By: Matthew Tritten
Updated: January 23, 2013
(COLUMBIA, Mo.) With Laurence Bowers and Keion Bell already out for Tuesday's game against South Carolina with injuries, Earnest Ross battled through a sore back to help Missouri overcome a less-than-impressive performance at Mizzou Arena.
Tied at 63-apiece inside 1:30 to play, the Tigers needed a lift, and Ross delivered.
The Auburn transfer hit a three-pointer to put Missouri ahead by three, and allowed Missouri (14-4, 3-2 SEC) to eventually pull away from the Gamecocks 71-65.
Ross' came off the bench to lead the Tigers with 21 points, including five of their final 10 points.
South Carolina (11-7, 1-4 SEC) led by former Kansas State head coach Frank Martin, remains in the doldrums of the SEC after the loss to Missouri, the only ranked team they have played all season.
Missouri went to halftime down 35-27 after shooting 20-percent (6-30) from the field in the first half.
They picked up steam in the second half shooting 48-percent from the field and outscoring the Gamecocks by 14 in the frame.
Alex Oriakhi had a perfect shooting night going 4-4 from the field and 10-10 from the free throw line on his way to 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Phil Pressey had a relatively quiet night scoring six points, six below his average, but contributed seven assists.
Missouri is home once again Saturday when they host Vanderbilt.
