Missouri Western opened up the Hillyard Classic Friday night with a big victory over William Jewell, winning 78-55.

The Griffons dominated in the first half as they were led by guard Ryan Devers.  The junior helped Western go on a 17-0 run to take an 18-4 lead.

Their double-digit lead fell to five after Kyle Smith put in a trey, but Missouri Western then used a 20-1 run and used to a 42-19 lead at halftime.

William Jewell cut the lead to 12 after a big second-half run early. After Cortrez Colbert knocked down a 3, the Cardinals went on an 18-8 lead to make it 56-44 with 8:50 left. The Griffons went back up minutes later.

A 12-0 run in the next three minutes put Missouri Western back up 68-44 lead with 5:39 left on the clock. The run kept the Cardinals at bay for good.

Colbert had a game-high 22 points going 9 of 16 from the field. He was 4 of 5 from the 3-point line.

Devers finished with 18 points with seven field goals on the night. William Jewell was led by D’Vante Mosby, who had 13 points. Jordan Lewis had 12 for the Cardinals.

Missouri Western is now 3-1 and they play No. 13 Midwestern State at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.  The game will air on 680 AM KFEQ.

— MWSU Sports Information —