Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will open up the 2021-22 regular season this weekend as the Lions will compete in the Central Region Tipoff Classic hosted by Pittsburg State University inside Historic Municipal Auditorium. Tipoff on Friday against Upper Iowa is set for 2:30 pm and on Saturday against Southern Nazarene at 4:15 pm.
Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern (13-10) vs. Upper Iowa (10-7)/Southern Nazarene (11-8) - 2020-21 records
Date: November 12-13, 2021
Tip-Off: 2:30 pm - Fri./4:15 pm - Sat.
Location: Kansas City, Mo.
Site: Municipal Auditorium
Series Record: Lions lead 2-0 vs. UIU/1-0 vs. SNU
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (137-71 overall/at MSSU - 8th year). Adam Bohac (253-123 overall/at SNU) Brooks McKowen (124-110 overall/at UIU)
Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: NA
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball
Series Info
Southern has played Upper Iowa twice and picked up a win in each game. The Lions won 98-73 at UIU in 2019-20 and 105-90 in 2018-19 at home. The Lions have played Southern Nazarene just once picking up a win in 1971-72 in a neutral-site game in Siloam Springs, Ark., 74-72.
All-MIAA
Stan Scott returns to the starting lineup after being named a third-team All-MIAA pick in 2020-21.
MIAA Team Stat Leaders
In 2020-21, the Lions led the league in assists per game, blocks per game, defensive rebounds per game, scoring, total assists, total blocks, total rebounds and total rebounds per game. Southern ranked second in field goal percentage and rebound margin, while ranking third in field goal defense, three point field goals per game, three point percentage and total three pointers made per game.
NCAA Team Stat Leaders
In 2020-21, Southern led Division II in total rebounds, while ranking third in total assists, fifth in free throw attempts, seventh in free throws made, total blocks and defensive rebounds per game, 12th in total three pointers made, 17th in three point attempts, 25th in field goal percentage and 29th in rebounds per game.
See Stan Score
Stan Scott obliterated his previous career-high in scoring against Fort Hays State in 2020-21 as the senior scored 32 points on the evening. His previous career high was 20. Stan went 11-of-20 from the field and added ten rebounds on the night.
He's On Fire
Christian Bundy started the game at Rogers State last year 6-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the three-point line and finished with a career-high 25 points, as well as his first double-double of the season with 10 rebounds.
Score Some Points Young One
Lawson Jenkins made the most out of his insertion into the starting lineup last season and the freshman went out and had a career game at Northeastern State scoring 29 points on 7-of-12 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line.
The Century Mark
Jeff Boschee won his 100th career game at Missouri Southern against Washburn in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. He became the quickest to 100 wins in MSSU history. The previous mark was Frank Davis who reached 100 wins in 161 games. Boschee did it in 152 games.
Three-Point Streak
The Lions failed to make a three-pointer at Arkansas Tech in their match-up in 2012-13. It was the first time in 403 games that Southern had failed to hit a three pointer, dating back to Jan. 20, 1999 against Missouri S&T. The Lions have had a three in 259-straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13.
Lions In The Pros
Currently, there are eight active former Lions playing professionally in Europe or overseas. Skyler Bowlin (Telekom Baskets - Germany), Elyjah Clark (Olimpico - Argentina), Enis Memic (Bosna Royal - Bosina), Keane Thomann (BAC - Denmark), Marquis Addison (Groningen - Holland), Yagizhan Selcuk (Buraspor Drumazlar - Turkey) and Jordan Talbert (SBB Baskets - Germany) all are playing professionally.
D1 Transfers
Southern will have six NCAA Division I transfers on its roster this year with three returning from last season and three newcomers this year. Stan Scott (Oakland), Avery Taggart (Southern Illinois), and RJ Smith (Sam Houston State) return from a year ago with Alex Jones (Lipscomb), Ndongo Ndaw (Indiana State) and Odell Wilson (North Dakota State) joining the team this year.
How Do You Say That?
Newcomer Ndongo Ndaw pronounces his name Ndongo (Nongo) Ndaw (Now).
Preseason MIAA Poll
The Lions were picked by the coaches and the media of the MIAA to finish fourth in both preseason polls. The league announced the polls on October 12 at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City as part of Basketball Media Day.
Preseason D2SIDA REgional Poll
The Division II Sports Information Directors of America (D2SIDA) conduct a regional and national poll during the season and the Lions have been picked eighth in the Central Region preseason poll.
Massey Ratings
Each year, the Massey Ratings rank college basketball teams throughout Division II. Teams are graded based on strength of offense, defense, home court advantage, strength of schedule and other categories. At the beginning of the regular season, the Lions are ranked 5th in Division II. The MIAA has three teams in the top-five as Northwest Missouri is No. 1 and Washburn is No. 2.
Up Next
The Lions will be back at home and hosting the Freeman Sports Medicine - Chris Tucker Memorial Classic on November 18-19 where Southern will host Southwest Baptist and Truman State.
