Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team hosted the Avila University Eagles on Thursday, December 19. The Lions jumped out to a 17-5 lead in the first five minutes behind Martin Macenis and Justin Duff. Jamari Lawrence added clutch three-pointers, helping the Lions to a 47-22 halftime lead. Missouri Southern's defense and sharp shooting sealed the win, highlighted by a 38-point advantage late in the game​, resulting in a final score of 94-56
 
Missouri Southern (6-6) | Avila University (7-6)
Half 1: Missouri Southern 47 | Avila 22
Martin Macenis got the Lions started, knocking down the first six points of the game. Southern caught fire from deep, with three-pointers from Isaiah Atwater, Tyrique Brooks, and Justin Duff adding to the 11-0 run that extended the lead to 17-5 with 14:39 remaining.
 
After a brief back-and-forth battle, the Lions led 29-18 with 7:30 left in the half. Justin Duff's three-pointer sparked a 13-4 run, widening the margin to 42-22 with two minutes to go. Atwater and Tyrone Wright capped the half with five straight points, giving the Lions a dominant 47-22 lead at the break.
 
Half 2: Missouri Southern 94 | Avila 56
Both teams traded baskets over the first seven minutes of the second half, and the Lions maintained a 62-37 lead. Justin Duff and Jamari Lawrence each connected on a three-pointer, to push the Lions lead to 27 points at 68-41 with 10:56 remaining, while the Eagles were limited to just four points in response.
 
The remainder of the game was a back-and-forth battle. Southern capped the final three minutes with a 10-0 surge with baskets from Lawrence (a three-pointer), Tyrique Brooks (a layup and a three-pointer), and Cooper Francis (a layup), and secured the 94-56 victory.
 
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Jamari Lawrence – 19
Rebounding Leader: Martin Macenis – 8
Assist Leader: Isaiah Atwater – 6
Steal Leader: Justin Duff – 2
 
Avila Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Joe Kearney – 11
Rebounding Leader: Xavier Kahube – 5
Assist Leader: Four players - 2
Steal Leader: George Williams – 4
 
Up Next:
Men's basketball will return in the new year when they host the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions on Saturday, January 4. Tip-off is set for 3:30 PM in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
  Read Full Article