Denmon delivers in Black and Gold game

Each squad had many turnovers because of nerves and good defense.

By Ross Taylor

Published Oct. 31, 2008

When the gates opened for the Missouri men's basketball team's annual Black and Gold game Wednesday night, the loudspeakers at Mizzou Arena greeted fans with Van Halen's "Right Now."

For a team that's welcoming seven newcomers to its 13-man roster and trying to distance itself from a tumultuous season, both on and off the court, it couldn't have been more appropriate.

"The word I keep saying (about the season) is 'refreshing,' just to see some fresh faces," coach Mike Anderson said. "Guys that want to be Tigers, guys that are excited to represent the university."

Wednesday night, freshman guard Marcus Denmon scored 36 points on 14-of-17 shooting in leading the black squad to a 110-84 win against the gold team.

"He's lights out," junior guard Zaire Taylor said, shaking his head and chuckling. Thirty-six points during the "first time in front of Mizzou fans? That was big."

Almost on cue in their unofficial Mizzou Arena debuts, the newcomers appeared to announce their presence in succession.

If there were any questions about which newcomer might step up offensively this season, Denmon put them to rest early. The Kansas City native opened the game with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half.

Denmon provided the black team's first 10 points before Taylor added seven of the next 10. The Delaware transfer's versatility was on display on his first three baskets, scoring on a turnaround jumper, a 3-pointer and a tough basket inside leaning into DeMarre Carroll.

The performances by Denmon and Taylor gave way to impressive offensive debuts from freshmen Laurence Bowers and Kim English, who combined for 32 points, as well as a strong defensive game from junior transfer Keith Ramsey, who had two blocks.

The newcomers' successes were contrasted by a rough night from senior forward Leo Lyons, who Anderson believed to be "trying too hard." The preseason All-Big 12 honorable mention recipient struggled early, amassing four fouls in just 13 minutes in addition to a traveling violation and a blocked shot by Ramsey.

The black and gold teams had -9 and -10 turnover margins respectively, but it is unclear whether the numbers were an indictment of offensive ball security or a testament to Anderson's high-pressure defense.

"It was a mixture of nerves and good defense," junior guard J.T. Tiller said. "But we'll clean that up. (Anderson) will make us clean it up."

Missouri finished last season atop the Big 12 in turnover margin at +3.97 per game.

Missouri begins its season tune-ups Thursday in an exhibition against Lincoln. The Tigers will also play an exhibition against Missouri Southern on Nov. 13 before opening the season at home Nov. 15 against Prairie View A&M.

"It's almost here," Taylor said, grinning. "Almost here."