Pittsburg, Kan. -  The Missouri Southern Lions used a big second half performance to defeat a scappy Haskell Indian Nations squad 94-71 Saturday evening (Nov. 21) at the Pittsburg State Classic in Pittsburg, Kan.

The Lions (2-0) overcame a slow start in the first after trailing by as many as 10 points in the early going.

After Jason Adams scored the game's first points on a three-pointer, the Indian Nations went on an 18-5 run to go up 18-8 at the 13:58 mark of the first half.

Dominic Clichee shortly after hit a three that put Haskell ahead 23-14 when Adams scored back-to-to-back baskets to lead a 7-0 Lions spurt that tied the game at 23-23.

Jimmy Wilkett helped the Indian Nations respond by scoring seven straight as part of a 9-2 run that quickly put Haskell back in front 32-25 with 6:58 left in the first half.

The Lions continued the back-and-forth first half with a 9-2 run of their own that was capped by a three by Travis Jones that again tied the score at 34-34.

The first half continued to see-saw until the Lions ended the first half on an 11-6 run to take a 50-46 lead into the half.

The Lions quickly seized control after the break by scoring the first eight points of the second half to take a double-digit lead of 58-46.

After Haskell scored four straight to pull within eight, the Lions pulled away with a 16-5 run to take a commanding 74-55 lead with 11:19 remaining.

The Indian Nations (1-8) tried to hang around and come within 75-61, but DaRell Crittendon scored six points to spark a 17-0 run to put the game out of reach and give the Lions a 92-61 lead with 3:18 left in the second half.

Adams and Crittendon each scored 16 to lead the Lions. Skyler Bowlin added 14 and made all six of his free-throws. Crittendon led the Lions with eight boards while Bowlin had a team-high eight assists.

Clichee led four players in double-figures for Haskell with 16 points.

The Lions will host Central Bible on Tuesday night (Nov. 24) at 7 p.m. for their 2009-10 home opener at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.