ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western Men’s Basketball team came up short of upsetting Northwest Missouri State as they lost 66-60 on Saturday in front of 2,205 fans inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons trailed by two at halftime but opened the second half by scoring the first four points to take a 30-28 lead. Missouri Western regained the lead with 6:05 remaining on free throws from Trey Sampson. Missouri Western scored 22 of its 34 second half points at the line, shooting 78.6 percent in the half and 81.6 percent for the game. It was field goals that the Griffons struggled with, shooting 32.6 percent and just seven percent from behind the arc (1-14).

Sampson led Missouri Western with 14 points. Currie Byrd added 12 points and seven rebounds and Miles Wentzien added 10.

The loss dropped Missouri Western to 5-10 overall and 3-6 in the MIAA. The team hits the road next week with games at Washburn and Emporia State.

— MWSU Athletics —