SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Missouri western men’s basketball team lost a late lead and dropped to 2-4 on the season with a 60-56 loss at St. Mary’s in the St. Mary’s Thanksgiving Classic Saturday in San Antonio.

The Griffons led by six with 4:03 to go and four with 2:35 left in the game. A 3-pointer by St. Mary’s with 2:20 left pulled the Rattlers within one then another three with 41 seconds remaining gave the host school a lead it didn’t relinquish. Kevin Thomas had a chance to tie the game at 57 with 16 seconds left but missed one of two free throws. St. Mary’s ended the game with three made free throws to stretch its lead to 60-56.

Thomas and Aaron Emmanuel both finished with double-doubles for Missouri Western. Emmanuel led Missouri Western with a career-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Thomas finished with 12 points and 10 boards. The Griffons shot 37.5 percent from the field on the night and just 25 percent from 3-point range.

The game was the last in the non-conference portion of Missouri Western’s schedule. The team will open MIAA play on Dec. 2 at Central Missouri.

— MWSU Athletics —