EDMOND, Okla.  – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team saw its season end in heartbreaking fashion as Central Oklahoma came back from 17 down in the second half to defeat the Griffons 73-72 in the first round of the MIAA Tournament at Hamilton Fieldhouse in Edmond.

Philip Brown’s put back off a missed three by Galen Wright with 11 seconds left proved to be the dagger for the Bronchos. Missouri Western had another chance but Cortrez Colbert missed a jumper with three seconds to go. Brown’s game winner capped off a second half comeback by the Bronchos that resembled what the Griffons did to three opponents on the road this season. A 22-5 run launched the comeback but in the closing minutes, UCO took advantage of Missouri Western playing without their two bigs, Kevin Thomas and Seth Bonifas. The two forwards fouled out within a minute of one another and forced the Griffons to play with a smaller lineup for the final four and a half minutes.

The Griffons built their 17-point lead after closing the first half on a 20-5 run and opening the second half on an 8-0 run. After MWSU took that lead, the Bronchos outscored Missouri Western, 47-29 over the final 18 minutes. UCO took their first lead of the second half with 3:28 left and never led by more than two in the second half.

Colbert finished his career doing what he did the entire season, leading all scorers with 25 points. It was the 20th time in his last 21 games in double-digits. The senior guard added seven rebounds. Hans Thun scored 13 for the Griffons with four rebounds and Cole Clearman added 12 on four of six shooting from three point range. Missouri Western shot 65 percent from three-point range in the game, 85 percent from the free throw line and 44 percent from the field.

It’s the second year in a row the team’s season has ended in Edmond after UCO knocked them out of the MIAA tournament last year. The Griffons end their season 12-15 overall.

— MWSU Sports Information —