MANHATTAN, Kan., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Arthur Johnson scored a career-high 23 points and Kareem Rush added 20 Saturday as 17th-ranked Missouri utilized its three-point shooting ability to down Kansas State, 88-71.
Johnson did most of his work inside, making 10 of 18 shots from the field. But Rush combined with Clarence Gilbert to prvide a devastating 1-2 punch from beyond the arc.
Rush made six of 11 three-pointers and Gilbert hit for of eight. The Tigers shot 45 percent from the field, making 11 of 24 from long range.
Missouri (12-4, 2-1 Big 12) had an 18-17 edge 9:15 into the game before going on a 21-6 run.
Johnson scored six points during the burst and Rush added a pair of three-pointers. He capped the run with a three-pointer at 2:55 to give the Tigers a 39-23 cushion.
Missouri had a 42-32 halfitme advantage, but Kansas State's Quentin Buchanan opened the second half with consecutive baskets to cut the deficit to seven.
Gilbert responded with a three-pointer and, after a pair of free
throws by Phineas Atchinson, Rush made another to make it 50-39.
Gilbert finished with 19 points and Justin Gage chipped in 18 for Missouri, which won for just the third time in seven games since opening the season with nine straight wins.
Johnson pulled down 15 rebounds and Gage added eight as the Tigers held a commanding 46-30 rebounding edge. The duo cobmined for 11 of Missouri's 19 offensive rebounds, leading to 21 second-chance points.
