The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) --  Laurence Bowers had nine points, 10
rebounds and four blocked shots, and No. 15 Missouri overcame awful
free throw shooting in its opener to hold off Western Illinois
66-61 on Thursday night.

 Phil Pressey, Marcus Denmon and Steve Moore also had nine points
apiece for Missouri (1-0), which won its 48th consecutive
non-conference home game despite going only 14 for 27 from the
line. The Tigers shot 72 percent last season while going 23-11 and
advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

 Matt Lander had 24 points and Kamarr Price added 15 points, 12
rebounds and two blocks for Western Illinois (2-1), which had a
38-37 rebounding edge. The Leathernecks were 8 for 11 from the
line.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)