The Missouri Western men shot just 35-percent (21-60) from the field falling 79-67 against the Lincoln Blue Tigers in Jefferson City, Mo. Western falls to 7-16 overall and 2-15 in MIAA play.

The Griffons led just once in the first half at 2-0 after TJ Johnson opened the game with a jumper. The Blue Tigers caught fire sinking six first half three pointers on their way to a nine point halftime lead (35-26).

Lincoln opened up a 15 point lead twice in the first frame both off Cedric Ridle long range shots. Western regained their composure going on a 10-0 run cutting the lead to 31-26 after two TJ Johnson’s free throws with 1:24 to play. LU finished the half scoring the final four points.

Western shot just 29.6-percent (8-27) from the field and 22.2-percent (2-9) from long range. Johnson led the charge with 11 points while Lavonte Douglas pitched in nine.

Lincoln shot 45.2-percent (14-31) from the field with Ridle connecting on 7-of-13 shots for 16 points. He also had eight rebounds in the frame.

Lincoln continued shooting the ball well early in the second half opening up a 23 point lead after two Gregory Motley free throws with 12:51 to play. The Blue Tigers scored seven straight points off free throws in the second half which were aided by three MWSU technical fouls.

Despite being down 23 with 6:18 to play in the game the Griffons never gave up going on a 12-2 run cutting the Blue Tiger lead to 13 with 3:26 to play after two Johnson free throws.

Western ran out of gas down the stretch and Lincoln hit its free throws as the Blue Tigers improve to 4-19 overall and 4-13 in MIAA action.

Western was led by Johnson and Douglas with 19 points apiece while the Blue Tigers Ridle collected a double double scoring 24 points and snaring 13 rebounds.

Western will close out the road portion of their MIAA schedule on Saturday, February 18 when they travel to Kirksville, mo. to take on the Truman State Bulldogs. Game time is set for 1:00 pm from Pershing Arena.

— MWSU Sports Information —