JOPLIN, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team couldn’t hang on to an early lead in a 94-71 loss at Missouri Southern Saturday.

Hot shooting from Missouri Southern brought the Lions back in front early in the first half and helped them mount a 14-point halftime lead that Missouri Western just couldn’t overcome. Southern shot 57.4 percent from the field for the game, including 70.8 percent in the second half with just seven missed field goals after the break. Missouri Western shot 36.5 percent from the field and 37.5 from three-point range.

Four Griffons scored in double figures led by Aaron Emmanuel’s 14 points. Trey Sampson finished with 13 points. Currie Byrd added 12 and Xavier Newson had 10 points with a team-high five rebounds. The loss dropped Missouri Western to 6-15 overall, 4-11 in the MIAA and stretched the program’s losing streak in Joplin to 10 games.

The Griffons return home next week to host Lindenwood on Thursday and Lincoln on Saturday.