LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Jordan Barnett had 19 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, Kassius Robertson added 17 points, and Missouri beat St. John’s 90-82 in the semifinals of the Advocare Invitational on Friday.
Missouri (5-1) has won consecutive games since announcing that starting guard Michael Porter Jr. will miss the remainder of the season with back surgery. Guard Blake Harris appeared to hurt his left knee in the first half and only played eight minutes.
Shamorie Ponds had a career-high 31 points for the Red Storm (5-1), who were attempting to start the season 6-0 for the first time since 2009-10.
The Tigers shot 52 percent (14-of-27) on 3-pointers and held a 41-27 rebounding advantage.
BIG PICTURE
Missouri: Jontay Porter was 4 of 7 from 3-point range and scored 16 points in 27 minutes off the bench before fouling out.
St. John’s: Ponds has scored 20 or more points in four games this season. He is averaging 28.5 in the tournament.
UP NEXT
Missouri: The Tigers advanced to the championship game Sunday night.
St. John’s: The Red Storm will play in the third-place game Sunday afternoon.
