EDMOND, Okla. – Griffon Men’s Basketball (7-7, 1-2 MIAA) picked up its first conference win at Central Oklahoma (7-5, 0-3 MIAA) on Thursday night. The Griffons used excellent free-throw shooting and key stops in the final minutes to improve to .500 on the season.

NOTABLES

• The Griffons trailed by as much as 10 points in the first half before cutting the deficit to five going into halftime.
• Central Oklahoma made five three’s on 50 percent shooting in the first half, but Missouri Western used 17 made free-throws to stay within reach.
• Tyrell Carroll’s layup with 12:24 to play in the second half capped off a 22-4 run for the Griffons. The Griffons shot 60 percent and held Central Oklahoma to just 14 percent shooting while forcing five turnovers.
• The Bronchos regained the lead at 78-77 with just over one minute to play.
• Lavon Hightower calmly sank two free throws to give Missouri Western the one-point lead with 50 second remaining.
• Central Oklahoma’s Marquis Johnson missed the potential go-ahead jumper on the ensuing possession.
• Alex Martin grabbed the rebound before knocking down two-straight free throws for the Griffons.
• The Griffons made all eight of their free throws in the final minute.
• Missouri Western’s 36 made free-throws are the most by an MIAA team this season.
• Al five Griffon starters scored in double-figures.

LEADERS

• Carroll led the team in scoring with 18 points on 73 percent shooting while also dishing out a game-high five assists.
• Hightower added 17 points and made all 13 of his free-throw attempts.
• Alex Martin finished with 17 points and eight rebounds.
• Bryan Hudson and Tyus Millhollin both scored 16 points.

UP NEXT

• Missouri Western Men’s Basketball will travel to Northeastern State (6-6, 0-3 MIAA) on Saturday for its next game.
• The RiverHawks lost to No. 2 Northwest Missouri 105-70 on Thursday.

— MWSU Athletics —