ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team opened the 2015 season with a win over Wayne State College, surviving a second half run by the Wildcats for an 81-75 win.

Missouri Western’s eight-point halftime lead was enough to overcome being outscored by two in the second half. The Griffons got big performances from some newcomers and a returner who stepped up given an opportunity. Wes Mitter scored a career-high 15 points starting for the injured Aaron Emmanuel. The Griffons were led by Trey Sampson’s 18, including 4-11 three-point shooting from the transfer. Mataika Koyamainavure scored 13 and had nine rebounds with Cole Clearman adding 10 points and seven boards.

Missouri Western shot 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 73 percent from the free throw line. The Griffons are 1-0 on the season and will host Upper Iowa tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Upper Iowa defeated Northwest Missouri State to open the HIllyard Tip-Off Classic. Northwest will play Wayne State at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow.

— MWSU Athletics —