The Missouri Western men’s basketball team gave No. 4 Drury everything they could handle Saturday evening in Springfield, but eventually fell 81-71 after a big second half from the Panthers.  It was the second game for MWSU a thte Doubletree Hotel/Houlihan’s Thanksgiving Classic at the O’Reilly Family Event Center.

The Griffons had a 41-36 lead over Drury in the first half as they shot 65% and made five three-pointers. Ryan Devers scored 10 in the first half for the Griffons.

Drury took a 57-54 lead midway through the second half and they Panthers finally got seperation from Western with a 16-1 run.  They were able to hit 15 of their 22 free throws in the second half to help claim the victory.

Missouri Western was led by three players in double-figures. Ryan Devers had 18 points including four three-pointers. Also, Currie Byrd and Kevin Thomas had 14 and 11 respectively for MWSU.  As a team the Griffons hit eight three-pointers on the night but only converted on 7-12 free throws in the game.

The Griffons fall to 2-3 on the year and will return home Monday against Hannibal-LaGrange College at 7 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on 680 KFEQ and here on StJosephPost.com.

— MWSU Sports Information —