Jason Crowe Jr. and a cast of highly touted newcomers turned Mizzou Arena into a showcase Tuesday night, as Missouri steamrolled Cleveland State 111-50 in its 2026-27 season opener.
The five-star freshman point guard and McDonald’s All-American set the tone early, burying a step-back three barely a minute into his college career to help spark a 15-0 run. Crowe finished with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four threes, leading seven Tigers in double figures and guiding Missouri to its highest point total in any game since the previous season.
Fellow five-star freshman Toni Bryant was nearly as impactful in his debut. The 6-foot-10 forward scored 15 points with six rebounds and three blocks, draining two threes during that opening burst and swatting shots on the defensive end. Reserve Kennard Davis Jr., a transfer from BYU, added 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting with four triples of his own.
The balanced attack continued with Jamier Jones (13 points), Mark Mitchell (11 points, 10 assists for a double-double and a career-high in assists), Trent Pierce (11) and Bryson Tiller (10 points, nine rebounds). Missouri shot a scorching 42-of-69 from the field (61 percent) and 14-of-31 from three (45 percent), while committing just four turnovers and dishing out 23 assists. The Tigers led 56-18 at halftime and never let Cleveland State mount a serious challenge.
Dre Jones and Rayvon Griffith each scored 13 for the Vikings, who shot just 33 percent overall and missed 14 of 16 three-point attempts. Missouri played without several players, including a suspended Jaylen Carey and an injured freshman Aidan Chronister, but the available talent was more than enough.
The win gives Dennis Gates’ revamped roster a statement victory to open the year. The Tigers next face Saint Louis on Friday in St. Louis.
