Stokes, early run push MU past A&M

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Wesley Stokes, out of the starting lineup for the second straight game, scored 13 points to lead No. 21 Missouri to a 74-50 victory over Texas A&M on Wednesday night.

Stokes was one of four Missouri players to score in double figures as Kareem Rush had 15 points and Arthur Johnson and Clarence Gilbert each had 12. It was Tigers' sixth consecutive win over the Aggies.

Johnson recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 11 rebounds. The sophomore is averaging a double-double over his last seven games with 13.7 points and 11.2 rebounds.

Stokes helped cap an early 20-6 run with seven points on three consecutive possessions, including a 3-pointer that gave the Tigers (13-4, 3-1 Big 12) a 21-8 lead.

Rush, a preseason All-American, had struggled through the end of Missouri's non-conference season. Since scoring just eight points against Nebraska in the Big 12 opener, Rush is averaging 21.3 points.

Nick Anderson had 13 points for Texas A&M (6-11, 0-3), while Keith Bean added 10. The Aggies have lost 10 of 11.

Missouri leads the series 9-1.

Texas A&M closed to 50-42 midway thought the second half on two free throws by Bean. But Missouri responded with a 10-0 run, included a 3-pointer and three-point play from Rush, to take a 60-42 lead with 4:53 left.

Georgia players suspended

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia suspended starting forward Steve Thomas and backup guard Tony Cole on Wednesday while university police investigated a report that a female student was raped in a dormitory.

Cincinnati bars reporter

CINCINNATI -- A reporter who wrote about Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins blasting fans for poor attendance has been barred from covering the team's next two games.

The university decided to bar Cincinnati Post reporter Jason Williams, saying he provoked an argument with Huggins in front at practice last Thursday. Williams said he did not provoke the argument.

-- From wire reports