Reed Mells hit a jumper with six seconds to play as Missouri Western came from behind picking up the win at Central Oklahoma. The Griffons snapped a four game losing streak and picked up its first MIAA victory of the season improving to 5-6 overall and 1-2 in MIAA play.
The first half did not go well for the Griffons as they got down ealry 8-2. The Bronchos kept up the pressure ending the half on a 31-20 run claiming the 44-30 halftime lead. The Griffons shot just 39.3-percent (11-28) from the field and 4-of-9 from the free throw line. Dylan Frantz had six points in the frame.
Josh Gibbs led the way for the Bronchos with 15 points while Jamell Cormier dumped in 10. UCO made 9-of-20 long range shots and 15-of-34 field goals.
The Griffons picked up the defense in the second half holding the Bronchos to just 27.6-percent (8-29) from the field and 2-of-11 from long range.
Missouri Western opened the half on a 10-2 run cutting the deficit to 46-43 after Flowers hit a layup with 17:22 to play in the game. UCO pushed its lead back to eight with 12:42 to play but MWSU used a 7-0 cutting the lead to one at 54-53 after a Jordan Yurth two point shot.
Once again the Bronchos pushed the lead back to nine at 64-55 with 8:17 to play after a James Watson jumper. The Griffons remained calm and back-to-back three’s by Flowers cut the lead to 70-67 with just under five to play. The Griffons capped off the 12-2 run with a Cedric Clinkscales jumper with 1:44 to play giving the Griffons a 76-72 lead.
Unfortunatly the game was far from over as a Spencer Smith three and two Seth Heckart free throws gave the Bronchos the lead back at 77-76 with 19 second to play.
Mell’s two point bucket with eight seconds to play and a steal by Adarius Fulton gave MWSU the victory. The Griffons shot .460 from the field and 51.7-percent (15-29) from the field. They also made 12-of-13 free throws in the second frame.
For the Griffons Flowers had 17 points while Fulton added 14 points and five steals. On the glass Dzenan Mrkajevic pulled down seven rebounds.
For the Bronchos Gibbs led all scorers with 20 points. Cormier and Smith each had 13 points in the contest. The Bronchos fall to 3-8 overall and 1-2 in MIAA play.
The Griffons return to action on Saturday, January 5 in Joplin, Mo. against Missouri Southern. Game time is set for 7:30 pm from Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
— MWSU Sports Information —