Missouri Western outscored Nebraska-Kearney 30-11 in the final 9:27 of the game picking up a 75-64 MIAA road victory. Adarius Fulton had a career night finishing with 23 points and seven steals. The Griffons improve to 6-7 overall and 2-3 in MIAA play.
After getting down early 4-0 the Griffons created turnovers using an 19-7 run claiming its largets lead of the half at 19-11 after an Adarius Fulton three with 6:33 to play in the first half.
From there it would be all Lopers as the Griffons struggled offensively down the stretch scoring just eight points. The Lopers drained four long range shots down the stretch which included one by Drew Sankey as time ran out in the half giving the Lopers the 28-27 halftime lead.
The Griffons scored 17 of its 27 points off 14 Loper turnovers. The Griffons dominated the points in the paint scoring outscoring the Lopers 18-8. The Griffons also had 12 bench points to UNK’s three.
Fulton lead all scorers with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting while collecting three steals. The Griffons shot 40.7-percent (11-27) from the field.
The Lopers were led by Jon Henderson with eight points on 3-of-6 shooting. They made 9-of-22 field goals in the frame.
The Lopers opened up the first 10:30 minutes of the second half extending its halftime lead to eight at 53-45 after Tyler Shields nailed a long range shot with 9:27 to play.
From there the Griffons took control going on a 21-7 run building its lead to 65-56 after an Alfreeman Flowers old fashioned three point play with 3:12 to play. The run included four three pointers which included two by Dzenan Mrkaljevic.
The Griffons continued to play well the final three minutes holding on for the big road victory.
The Griffons shot 47.5-percent (28-59) from the field and made 12-of-18 free throws. MWSU forced 24 turnovers which they converted into 34 points. The Griffons also had 40 points in the point and 29 points off the bench.
Flowers collected his first double-double of his career dumping in 12 points and collecting 12 rebounds. Mrkaljevic was the only other Griffon in double digits with 10 points.
The Lopers fall to 4-9 overall and 1-4 in the MIAA. The Lopers made 21-of-49 field goals and 10-of-28 from long range. Jon Henderson had a game high 24 points while Sankey pitched in 10 and Shields added 12.
The Griffons return to action on Saturday, January 12 with a home contest against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. Tip off is schedule for 3:30 pm in the MWSU Fieldhouse.
— MWSU Sports Information —