Missouri was misfiring in the first half, but with the help of freshman Michael Dixon, the Tigers took control in the second.

"I thought he came in and did the things he's supposed to do. And it's not necessarily making shots. I thought his energy was contagious out there," Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson said.

Dixon scored seven points in less than three minutes to help Missouri extend a lead from 14 points to 21 points against Northwest Missouri State.

"A couple quick buckets back-to-back and our offense got our defense rolling as well," sophomore guard Marcus Denmon said.

When Dixon came off of the bench and onto the court in the second half, he provided a spark that Missouri players say they're going to need the rest of this season.

"He's going to have a key role on this team. Our bench production is essential. That was our identity last year and that's going to be a strong part of our team this year," senior guard Zaire Taylor said.

Anderson said there was a specific reason he waited to play Dixon until the second half.

"It was coach's decision," Anderson said.

But, Dixon proved his value to the team when he did come in the game.