Griffons lose in OT to Washburn 95-94 on controversial foul

ST. JOSEPH – As the final buzzer sounded, Lavon Hightower’s full court heave rattled in-and-out. It would have been a fitting end to a wild Wednesday night, as Missouri Western (8-8, 2-3 MIAA) and Washburn (11-2, 4-0 MIAA) put on a show in the MWSU Fieldhouse, with the Ichabods topping the Griffons 95-94 in overtime.

NOTABLES

The Griffons held a 40-35 lead going into halftime, making nine three pointers on 45 percent shooting.
Lavon Hightower led all scorers at the half with 15 points. Tyrell Carroll also had 10 points in the first half.
The Griffons remained in control through most of the second half, stretching their lead to eight on a Bryan Hudson layup with 6:25 to play in regulation.
With 16 seconds remaining in the fourth, Hightower’s free throw put the Griffons up 86-84.
Washburn’s David Salach scored with six seconds left to tie the game at 86.
Both of the Griffons’ shot attempts on the ensuing possession missed, sending the game into overtime at 86-86.
In overtime, a Griffon turnover led to a fast-break bucket for the Ichabods, extending the Washburn lead to 94-91 with 26 seconds remaining.
On the following Missouri Western possession, Tyus Millhollin calmly sank a pull-up three pointer, forcing Washburn to call a timeout.
Washburn’s Jalen Lewis was fouled on the Ichabod’s final possession, sending him to the free-throw line tied at 94 apiece.
Lewis converted the first free-throw attempt, but missed the second.
Hightower pulled down the rebound before launching a 70-foot attempt that rattled off the rim, sealing the 95-94 win for Washburn.
The Griffons set a program record with 19-made three pointers.
The Griffons’ 20 assists are the most they have had in a game since 2010.
95 points is the most the team has scored since their 97-point mark in 2014.

LEADERS

Hudson led the Griffons in scoring with a career-high 23 points
Carroll finished with 22 points, seven assists, and five boards.
Hightower posted another double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Hightower also set a career-high with seven assists.
Millhollin added 17 points with five three’s.
Alex Martin also scored in double-figures with 12 points.

UP NEXT

Missouri Western will take on Emporia State (6-7, 1-3 MIAA) at home on Saturday, Jan. 12.
The Hornets lost to No. 2 Northwest Missouri by 20 points on Wednesday.

— MWSU Athletics —