Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern men's basketball team was back at home Thursday evening, playing at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center for the first time since December 9. They played host to the Tigers of Fort Hays State, who entered the game second in the MIAA standings and received votes in both national polls earlier this week. Despite a strong start from the Lions, the Tigers answered back to take the game 85-67. MSSU moves to 5-9 (3-5 MIAA) on the season.

The Tigers were the first on the board, but Sam Thompson answered with six straight to put the Lions ahead. Darius Dawson then followed with a jumper and a three to keep MSSU ahead 11-8 five minutes into the game. That three sparked a 12-0 Southern run that included a Parker Long three and six points from Cam Williams. Shortly after, Vinson Sigmon Jr. hit a three to make it 25-12 MSSU with 11:40 on the clock. 

FHSU fought back to tie things up at 28 with 6:28 left in the half. About a minute later, Lawson Jenkins hit a three on a feed from Darius Dawson, giving MSSU the lead once again. Parker Long drove his way for a layup with just under a minute left, making the score 38-34 in favor of the visitors at halftime. 

Again it was the visitors to score first out of the break, but Darius Dawson answered with a jumper. The Tigers then went on a run to stretch their lead into double digits. Sam Thompson made a layup to end Southern's scoreless streak, making it 50-38 FHSU with 16:37 left in the game. A bit later, Martin Macenis got on the board with a strong bucket down low. 

Cam Williams hit a three around the 12-minute mark to start a scoring stretch for the Lions, featuring a pair of Macenis scores and another by Thompson. The Tigers continued to build on their lead, but Avery Taggart scored the final basket of the game from beyond the arc, creating an 85-67 final score. 

Sam Thompson led the team in scoring with 12 points, going 6-9 from the field. He finished with 7 rebounds and was a threat on defense, finishing with 5 blocks. Darius Dawson and Cam Williams each finished with 11 points, both going 4-10 from the field. Dawson had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, while Williams finished with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Martin Macenis was efficient off the bench, recording 9 points in 9 minutes. 

The Lions will remain at home for their next contest, taking on the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers. That game will take place on Saturday, January 13 with tip-off scheduled for 3:30 PM at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. 

The Missouri Southern men's basketball season is presented by Arvest Bank, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
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