TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Missouri Western Men’s Basketball (8-7, 2-2 MIAA) trailed by as much as 11 points in the second half, but came back to defeat Northeastern State (6-7, 0-4 MIAA) 71-70 on the road on Saturday.
With the Griffons holding on to a two-point lead, Northeastern State was fouled at the buzzer, sending the RiverHawks to the line with a chance to tie the game. After making the first attempt, the RiverHawks missed the potential game-tying free throw, giving the Griffons the one-point win.
NOTABLES
- Northeastern State led by five after a low-scoring first half. The Griffons shot just 37 percent in the first half, going 3-13 from three.
- Six minutes into the second half, the RiverHawks stretched their lead to 11 points.
- The Griffons would go on to make eight of their next 10 shot attempts to take their first lead of the game on a Tyus Millhollin three pointer with eight minutes remaining.
- The RiverHawks used a 7-0 run of their own to regain the lead.
- Facing a 68-66 deficit with less than two minutes to play, Bryan Hudson sank a three to give the Griffons the lead.
- Northeastern State again held a one-point with 42 seconds remaining.
- Lavon Hightower converted a layup on the ensuing Missouri Western possession to go up 70-69 with 22 seconds to play.
- Northeastern State’s Bradley George was fouled on a buzzer-beater attempt and was sent to the line down 71-69.
- The RiverHawks made the first free throw, but missed the second, sealing the win for the Griffons.
- The Griffons turned the ball over just eight times on Saturday, a new season best.
- After defeating both Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State this week, the Griffons have won back-to-back road games for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
LEADERS
- Millhollin’s team high 22 points ties a career-high. Millhollin made five of his eight three-point attempts.
- Hightower scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
- Hudson added 12 points and four rebounds.
- Hudson and Tyrell Caroll each finished with three assists.
UP NEXT
- Missouri Western will host Washburn (9-2, 2-0 MIAA) on Jan. 9.
— MWSU Athletics —