Big free throws in the final seconds helped MIAA-leading Central Oklahoma hold off a comeback effort by the Missouri Western men’s basketball team Saturday in the MWSU fieldhouse.  UCO held off the Griffons for a 62-57 victory over MWSU.

A free throw from Western’s Cortrez Colbert tied the game at 57 with 1:15 remaining. It was the first time the Griffons had not trailed since the 6:22 mark of the first half. Missouri Western never took the lead and the Bronchos made five free throws down the stretch to complete the five-point victory.

The Griffons drop to 5-5 on the season and 1-2 in the MIAA.

A 14-1 run in the final 9:29 of the first half proved to be too much for Missouri Western. The Griffons led 15:13 with just 11 minutes to go before halftime. The Griffons scored just three points the rest of the half as Central Oklahoma scored 14 to take a 27-18 lead to the break. The Bronchos stretched the lead to 10 early in the second half but Missouri Western was able to claw back before ultimately coming up short.

The Griffons shot 39 percent from the field, 13 percent from three-point range and 73 percent from the line. They forced 22 UCO turnovers and had 13 steals. The Bronchos dominated the boards, outrebounding the Griffons by 10.

For the second straight game, Cortrez Colbert led all players with 24 points. Colbert also finished with four rebounds and five steals. Kevin Thomas finished with 13 points and five rebounds. Dareon Jones added 12 points and four rebounds.

Missouri Western will enjoy a break from action with their next game coming on Jan. 3 at Washburn.

— MWSU Sports Information —