The Missouri Western men’s basketball team got outscored by nine points in each half falling 78-60 against the Missouri Southern Lions. The Griffons were led by Ryan Devers with 16 points while Charlie Marquardt dumped in 11 and led the Griffons with nine rebounds. The Griffons fall to 9-14 overall and 4-11 in MIAA play.

The Griffons played extremely hard in the first half but a late run by the Lions gave MSSU the 43-34 lead heading into the break. The Griffons never led in the half and were never tied. The Lions jumped out a 5-0 lead but the Griffons responded cutting the lead to two with 14:37 to play on a Ryan Devers jumper.

The score remained with in five until the 5:23 mark of the half. The Lions closed the final five minutes outscoring the Griffons 5-0 claiming the nine point lead at the half.

The Griffons shot 43.8-percent (14-32) from the floor with Kalvin Balque leading the charge with nine points. Marquardt dumped in seven points and snared five rebounds. The Lions shot 48.4-percent (15-31) from the floor with Marquis Addison leading the way with 12 points. Jordan Talbert and Slim Magee each had eight points for Missouri Southern.

The Griffons battled for half the second half cutting the Lions lead to 56-50 with 9:47 to play after a Devers long range shots. From there it was all Lions opening up a 23 point lead at 75-52 going on a 21-2 run which was capped by a Greg Renfroe free throw with 3:21 to play.

The Griffons outscored the Lions by five the rest of the way but it was to late for Missouri Western.

The Griffons shot just 35.4-percent (23-65) for the game with Colbert and Balque both scoring 11.

The Lions improve to 17-5 overall and 11-4 in the MIAA as Addison and Slim MaGeen both dumping in 14 points. MaGee also had six blocks and 12 rebounds.

Missouri Western returns to action on Wednesday, February 19 with a contest against Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Opening tip is set for 7:30 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —