ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western Men’s Basketball team saved some of its best for last, coming back in the final minutes to knock off Central Missouri, 63-62, and seal up the 11-seed in the upcoming MIAA Tournament.

Aaron Emmanuel made two free throws with 1:03 left to give Missouri Western the 63-62 lead and the Griffon defense held up with Emmanuel picking up a steal on Central Missouri’s final possession to seal the win. In a game that went back and forth with nine lead changes, Central Missouri looked to have control late in the second half. The Mules led by seven with 10 to go, but an 8-0 Griffon run gave Missouri Western the lead with 6:58 left. UCM recaptured the lead and the game would be tied three times in the final five minutes.

Miles Wentzien was the only Griffon in double figures, leading the way with 16 points. The freshman was 5-7 from the field and 4-5 from behind the arc. Kevin Thomas scored nine and pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds. Aaron Emmanuel scored eight with six rebounds and nine assists.

Northeastern State’s loss to Nebraska-Kearney earlier in the day put Missouri Western in the MIAA Tournament field, but the win helped the Griffons move up a seed. They will open the tournament at fifth seeded Washburn on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

— MWSU Athletics —