Bolivar, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern men's basketball team cut a 17-point Southwest Baptist lead with five minutes left to just two with under ten seconds to go, but couldn't complete the comeback and fell to the Bearcats 95-92 at the Meyer Sports Center in Bolivar. 

Southern (12-8, 6-7 MIAA) utilized a 25-10 run over the final five minutes and coupled with seven missed free throws from SBU, (17-5, 8-4 MIAA) cut a 17-point deficit to just two with under ten seconds left. The Bearcats' Ryan Dougherty, however, hit a freebie with seven seconds left and a late three from Mariun Price wouldn't fall, preserving the SBU win. 

The Lions were led in scoring by 20 points from Jason Adams. He added 10 rebounds, three assists and four steals. Skyler Bowlin had 19 points on 7-14 shooting, while Keane Thomann added 11 points. DaRell Crittendon and Price had 10 points each. 

SBU had five players score in double figures led by 20 points from Kurtis Koenig. Reigning conference MVP Matt Rogers played just six minutes after injuring his knee early in the first half. 

The Lions out shot SBU from the field, three point line and charity stripe, but trailed 38-36 in rebounds. Points in the paint were nearly identical with SBU leading 56-50, the Lions held the advantage in bench points, 33-25. 

Southern will be back in action a week from tonight, playing host to Missouri Western at 7:30 pm on February 6 in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.