Russellville, Ark. - The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team wrapped up at the MIAA/GAC Crossover taking on the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs. A first half lead was not enough as the Bulldogs would take the victory, 76-69.
 
Missouri Southern (0-2) | Southwestern Oklahoma State (1-1)

Half 1: Missouri Southern 40 | Southwestern Oklahoma State 38
Nine lead changes was the result of multiple traded baskets to open the first 10 minutes to play in the first half. A free throw from the Bulldogs would tie the game 23-23 with 7:15 remaining in the first half. Cortaviaus Seales would respond with a three pointer that sparked Tyriqe Jackson with four of his 15 total first half points to build a seven point lead. 
 
The Lions continued to build their lead by responding to jumpers and layups from the Bulldogs with three pointers from Justin Duff and Tyriqe Jackson. A 10 point Lions lead diminished to two as the Bulldogs would end the first half on a 11-3 run.
 
Half 2: Missouri Southern 69 | Southwestern Oklahoma State 76
A quick 5-0 run from Bulldogs to open the second half was answered by another Tyriqe Jackson three pointer to tie the game 43-43 with 17:58 remaining in the game. Three more lead changes would keep the game close as a Tyrique Brooks layup would narrow the Bulldogs lead to one point. 
 
The Bulldogs began to build a lead as they led by nine with 7:47 remaining in the game. Martin Macenis would begin a four point run with a layup to cut the deficit to five. The Bulldogs answered with another run to take their biggest lead of the night, 69-57, with only 3:20 left in the final half. Tyriqe Jackson and Jaden Taylor added multiple buckets each to try and close the gap, but eventually the Lions would fall to the Bulldogs, 76-69.
 
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Tyriqe Jackson – 19
Rebounding Leader: Tyrique Brooks / Martin Macenis – 8
Assist Leader: Martin Macenis / Sam Thompson / Isaiah Atwater - 2
Steal Leader: Tyriqe Jackson – 2
 
Southwestern Oklahoma State Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Eli Al-Debaran – 27
Rebounding Leader: Spencer Musgrove / Jalyn Todd - 6
Assist Leader: MJ Warrior - 4
Steal Leader: Eli Al-Debaran - 2
 
Up Next:
The Lions will host their season-opener in Joplin, Mo. on Thursday, November 14 against the Ozark Christian College Patriots at 6:00 PM in Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. Prior to the season opener, the Lions will travel for an exhibition game with the Missouri State University Bears on Monday, November 11 at 7:00 PM in Springfield, Mo.
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