Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern men's basketball team played on another Wednesday this week, hosting the Riverhawks of Northeastern State at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions were unable to complete the comeback, falling to the Riverhawks 79-72. With the loss, MSSU moves to 7-11 (5-7 MIAA) on the year.

The visitors made the first basket of the game, but Vinson Sigmon Jr. was quick to answer with a floater to get MSSU on the board. Avery Taggart followed with a layup, and Darius Dawson made a pair of free throws to give Southern their first lead of the game. NSU responded, but Avery Taggart drained a three on a dish from Parker Long to take over once again. The Riverhawks then went on a stretch to regain the lead. 

Avery Taggart made another driving layup and Winston Dessesow hit a three to make the score 17-14 NSU halfway through the first. Lawson Jenkins scored a basket and later a couple of free throws, sandwiching an Avery Taggart layup, cutting their deficit to 37-22 with 3:34 on the clock. Before the end of the half, Sam Thompson made a layup on a feed from Vinson Sigmon Jr. who made a pair of free throws late. The Riverhawks hit a last second three, making the score 43-27 in favor of the visitors at the half.

Darius Dawson opened the second half with four straight points on a couple free throws and a jumper. After a few NSU points, Vinson Sigmon Jr. nailed a three. That sparked a short run by the Lions, featuring baskets by Parker Long, Avery Taggart, and Sigmon Jr. to cut the Riverhawk lead to single digits. 

At the 6:33 mark, Lawson Jenkins nailed a three on a pass from Parker Long. He made another basket after an NSU score, and Sam Thompson followed with a layup to cut the deficit to five. After another couple of scores from the visitors, Jenkins hit another three but was fouled this time, converting the rare four-point play to make it 65-60 NSU with just over three minutes left. The Riverhawks were able to hold on in those remaining minutes for a final of 79-72. 

Lawson Jenkins was efficient off the bench, scoring 15 points in 16 minutes. He only missed one shot on the night and added 5 rebounds to his stat line. Avery Taggart led the team with 19 points on 50% shooting from the field, and had 5 assists. Vinson Sigmon Jr. finished with 18 points and 4 rebounds, while Parker Long had 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. 

The Lions will remain at home for their next competition, taking on the Rogers State Hillcats. That contest is scheduled for 3:30 PM on Saturday, January 27. 

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