KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's no secret that Missouri coach Kim Anderson is searching for offense.
Specifically, Anderson is looking for someone on his young team to lead his offense, a player or two who can create and score.
That's why Anderson wasn't the least bit upset with sophomore forward Johnathan Williams III for tossing up a team-high 13 shots, including three 3-point attempts, in his team's 74-72 overtime loss to Oklahoma State on Tuesday.
"For us to be good, he's got to step up because he's a guy that can make plays even though he's a power forward," Anderson said. "He has made some plays for us.
"He's grown so much as a player since I got here. His game has expanded. His shooting has gotten better. He's that go-to guy that we kind of need."
Williams' strength is his slashing moves inside. His jump shot -- more of a set shot, actually -- isn't the prettiest thing to observe, especially from long range. The rotation on the ball spins like a pitcher's two-seamer.
But on Tuesday, as Williams pumped in a career-high 22 points, he delivered two 3-point field goals. One of those 3-pointers was a critical make down the stretch in regulation.
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"I'm shooting (3-pointers) at practice," Williams said. "Most importantly, I'm trying to help carry my team by developing my game. I'm trying to carry my team by helping them get the win. I made a shot but we didn't get the win, so I've just got to keep on playing hard. I've got to put this team on my back and lead them."
As much as Williams' performance against the Cowboys kept the Tigers close, he wasn't much for patting himself on the back afterward.
"I think tonight I did an OK job," he said, "but to me I failed because we didn't get the win. That's how I look at it. I'm just trying to help lead this team in the best way I can and help Coach Anderson the best way I can. I'm just trying to get the next win."
Anderson is doing everything he can to encourage Williams to take control of the offense, even if it means firing up more 3-pointers.
"I'm good with him doing that," Anderson said. "He's been working hard on that in practice. He can make that shot. Now, I don't know if I want him shooting 10 or 15 of those a game, but I'm good with him taking some of those. He's earned the opportunity."
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.
