COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- After a stunning loss Wednesday at Oral Roberts, a home victory over Fairleigh Dickinson Saturday night had to be on top of Missouri head coach Mike Anderson's birthday wish list. As their coach turned 50, the Tigers (6-3) delivered a 51-point victory, downing the Knights 87-36 and extending their home winning streak to 24. Missouri was led by Kim English with a game-high 20 points. He posted 11 points in the opening 3:20. Shortly after, the Tigers ripped off a 13-0 run over six minutes for a 30-12 lead. Missouri led 45-20 at the break and has averaged a 27-point halftime lead in its five home games so far this season. Terence Grier led Fairleigh Dickinson with 12 points. Missouri continued its domination in the second half, coming out of the locker room with a 20-0 run and holding the Knights without a field goal for the first 8:53 of the second half. Anderson's trademark brand of tough defense was on display as the Knights struggled to find any sort of offensive rhythm. Fairleigh Dickinson scored a season-low 36 points and shot a season-low 21 percent, making only 3 of 22 3-pointers while Missouri nailed 44 percent of its 3-point attempts. Missouri forced the Knights into a season-high 26 turnovers, 18 of which were steals by the Tigers. Missouri opponents are averaging 22 turnovers and just 10 assists. Missouri's teamwork was also on display as the Tigers had 23 assists on 33 made baskets. Freshman Michael Dixon led the team in helpers, dishing 5 while adding 10 points of his own. Laurence Bowers, making his second career start, added 12 points. He missed just two field goals, hitting 6 of 8 from the floor. The win also extended Missouri's non-conference home winning streak to 42, including a perfect 35-0 under Anderson. The Knights lost their eighth straight, all by at least 14 points. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
