ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team let a one-point halftime lead evaporate quickly in a 70-57 loss to Wayne State College to open the 2016-17 season at the Hillyard Tip-Off Classic on Friday night.

The Griffons took a 30-29 lead to the break off a TJ Evans layup with 30 seconds left in the first frame. Missouri Western outscored Wayne State 22-4 in the paint during the first half, but just 18-16 in the second half. Evan’s layup gave MWSU one of three leads in the first half. The Griffons led by as many as six before the break, but the Griffons couldn’t overcome a 9-0 Wayne State run to open the second half.

Missouri Western finished 43 percent from the field and just 15 percent from three-point range. The Griffons were 0-5 in the first half from behind the arc and 2-8 in the second half. Wayne State forced 12 Missouri Western turnovers to just ten assists for the home team.

Cole Clearman led the way for the Griffons with 15 points and four assists. Seth Bonifas added a career-high 12 points and seven rebounds. Beau Baker also pulled down seven boards and scored 10 points.

Missouri Western continues the Hillyard Tip-Off Classic on Sunday against Upper Iowa at 3:30 p.m.

— MWSU Athletics —