COL BKB: Missouri 83, La Salle 71

CANCUN, Mexico, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Marcus Denmon led No. 12 Missouri on a 14-2 run in the second half Wednesday that enabled the Tigers to fight off LaSalle 83-71.

Denmon scored 21 points, boosting Missouri to a victory in the Cancun Challenge. The Tigers defeated Wyoming in the semifinals Tuesday.

LaSalle had a 53-52 lead with 14 minutes to play when Missouri went on its critical run. Ricardo Ratliffe added 14 points for Missouri (4-0).

LaSalle (4-2) was paced by Earl Pettis and Ruben Guillandeaux with 13 points each. The Explorers reached the championship game with a win over Providence.