SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Missouri used a smothering full-court press to force an up-tempo game in a 66-61 semifinal victory over Old Dominion on Friday at the South Padre Island Invitational.

"That's a part of what we are and who we are," said Missouri associate head coach Melvin Watkins. "We like to create tempo."

The victory set up a championship game tonight between the Tigers and Richmond, which beat Mississippi State.

Watkins said the Tigers would try to force a Richmond team strong in its half-court execution into a fast-paced game.

"Get the tempo to our liking is what we want to do," Watkins said.

Missouri held off a late run by the Monarchs, who got within four points with about six minutes to play.

Missouri (4-0) was led by senior guard J.T. Tiller's 12 points and seven assists and sophomore guard Kim English's 11 points. Eight players scored in the Tigers' balanced attack.

Senior guard Marsharee Neely of Old Dominion led all scorers with 20 points. Gerald Lee added 13 and Ben Finney 12.

Old Dominion (4-1) struggled with Missouri's aggressive defense, turning the ball over 17 times in the first half and creating easy baskets for the Tigers. Missouri led 32-18 at the break.