The Missouri Western men’s basketball team picked up a much needed victory on Wednesday evening defeating the Lincoln Blue Tigers 82-65. The victory marked the first road victory for the Griffons this season as they were led by Kalvin Balque’s first career double double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Griffons improve to 10-14 on the season and 5-11 in MIAA play.
Things started good for the Griffons as back-to-back 3’s by Hans Thun gave the Griffons a 6-2 lead in the first minute of the game. The Blue Tigers bounced back claiming a 15-12 lead with 10:12 to play after a tip-in by James Edmond with 10:12 to play in the first frame.
The Griffons continued to play hard and with 5:19 to play two free throws by Cortrez Colbert gave the Griffons their largest lead of the half at 25-17 with 5:19 to play. Lincoln did not let things get away hitting a layup with 28 second to play in the half cutting the Griffon lead to 31-26 at the half.
The Griffons shot just 37.9-percent (11-29) from the field with Thun leading the charge with 9 points connecting on all three of his long range shots. The Blue Tigers did not shoot much better making 39.1-percent (9-23) of their shots and 8-of-10 free throws. James Edmond led the way with eight points and seven rebounds.
The Griffons came out of the locker room on fire scoring seven of the first nine points claiming a 38-28 lead after two Charlie Marquardt free throws with 17:19 to play in the game. The Blue Tigers cut the Griffon lead to five in the next four minutes but a 19-5 run by the Griffons opened up a 19 point lead for the Griffons at 57-38 after two Balque free throws with 9:46 to play.
A mini run by the Tigers cut the lead to 59-48 but once again the Griffons used a big run taking their biggest lead of the game at 76-55 after a layup by Colbert with 3:24 to play. The Griffons cruised the rest of the game snapping a four game losing streak.
Missouri Western finished the game making 47.4-percent (27-57) of their field goals which included 57.1-percent (16-28) in the second half. Colbert scored 19 points for the Griffons while Devers had 17. Both Colbert and Devers dished out five assists.
The Blue Tigers fall to 3-22 overall and 1-16 in MIAA play. Edmond finished with a double double with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Mike Smith dumped in 17. Joshua Buie had 10 points. The Blue Tigers made just 1-of-15 long range shots but made 22-of-26 free throws.
The Griffons return to action on Saturday, February 22 with a home contest against rival Northwest Missouri State on Military Appreciation Day. Tip time is set for 3:30 pm in the MIAA Fieldhouse.
— MWSU Sports Information —