Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern men's basketball team fell behind early and couldn't climb back as the Lions fell 87-57 to Central Missouri on Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
 
Southern (6-4, 3-1 MIAA) had three score 11 as Christian Bundy, Avery Taggart and Lawson Jenkins all put in 11 points. Stan Scott scored 10, while Winston Dessesow had eight. Martin Macenis had a team-high six rebounds, while Bundy added two blocks and Taggart had three assists.
 
Central (5-3, 2-2 MIAA) got 20 points from Cameron Hunter as Trey Sides chipped in 13.
 
The Mules jumped out to a big advantage and led 27-5 with 11 minutes to go in the half. An 8-0 run by the Lions capped by a jumper from Scott with 4:53 to go in the half cut the lead to 12 and another jumper from Scott with a minute to go proved to be the final points of the half.
 
A layup from Scott with 18:30 to go in the second half got the Lions within 11 (41-30) and a turnaround jumper from Christian Bundy with 15:17 on the clock made the score 46-35, UCM.
 
The Mules, however, went on a 19-7 run and led 65-42 with nine minutes to play.
 
The Lions will be back in action this Saturday as Southern plays host to Lincoln. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is set for 3:30 pm.