Despite scoring just one basket in the final 7:26 and missing numerous free throws late, No. 14 Missouri held on for a 66-61 win over Western Illinois in Columbia, Mo., on Thursday night.

The Tigers, who were ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003-04, did not have a single scorer in double figures, but had four players tally nine points each.

Missouri (1-0) appeared ready to blow out Western Illinois (2-1) after taking a 54-46 lead with less than eight minutes remaining. However, the Leathernecks went on a 11-1 run, capped by Kaimarr Price’s layup that gave WIU a 57-55 lead with 3:02 remaining.

Missouri scored the next five points, all free throws, to take a 60-57 lead that it never relinquished. Michael Dixon made 3-4 from the line in the final 15 seconds to avert the upset.

The Tigers, who returned four of their top five scorers from last season, struggled offensively, hitting just 41.1 percent from the field and a dismal 51.9 from the free throw line, making just 14-27. Laurence Bowers was one of four Tigers with nine points to lead Missouri. He also added 10 rebounds. Matt Lander paced Western Illinois with a game-high 24 points, 14 coming in the second half. Price added a double-double for WIU with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Missouri was just one of two Division I teams (Arkansas the other) to finally play their first game of the year.