Edmond, Okla. - The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team traveled to Edmond, Okla. to take on the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma. Multiple lead changes ended regulation in a tie as the Lions outperformed the Bronchos to win in overtime, 82-74.
 
Missouri Southern (5-5, 1-1 MIAA) | Central Oklahoma (4-4, 0-2 MIAA)

Half 1: Missouri Southern 36 | Central Oklahoma 38
The Bronchos jumped out to an early 11-0 lead in the first four minutes of play. Isaiah Atwater (four points) and Justin Duff (four points) combined for an 8-0 answer to cut the Bronchos lead to 11-8 with 13:59 remaining in the first half. After both teams traded baskets over the following two minutes, Tyriqe Jackson and Jamari Lawrence both hit a three-pointer to give the Lions their first lead with 11:03 remaining in the half (19-17). 

Over the next five minutes, the Bronchos responded with a 12-5 run to take a 29-24 lead with six minutes remaining. It was a back-and-forth finish to halftime, but the Bronchos would enter the locker room with a 38-36 lead.
 
Half 2: Missouri Southern 68 | Central Oklahoma 68
Both teams' defenses were on display to begin the second half, as a low scoring battle slightly grew the Bronchos lead to 48-44 with 11:00 remaining. Despite a higher scoring display from both teams following the 11th minute, the Lions and Bronchos continued to trade baskets until a media timeout at 7:47 resulted in the same four-point lead, 54-50, for the Bronchos. 

After the Bronchos came out of the media timeout with a layup, the Lions went on the first run of the half with a 10-0 surge to take a 60-56 lead with 5:09 remaining in the game (Justin Duff three points; Martin Macenis three points; Tyrone Wright four points). The Lions continued to lead 66-60 with 3:48 remaining, but the Bronchos responded with a 8-0 run to regain their lead with just under two minutes to play. Macenis had a clutch layup with 1:12 remaining. Both defenses held strong in the final minute as neither team scored until the buzzer ended the game in a 68-68 tie, sending it to overtime.

Overtime: Missouri Southern 82 | Central Oklahoma 74
Justin Duff was the first to score in overtime with a three-pointer, but the Bronchos responded with two free throws to bring the game within one point with 3:24 remaining in overtime. Duff had another three-pointer in response, followed by a Tyrique Brooks layup, to grow the Lions lead to 76-70 with 2:50 remaining. After a free throw from the Bronchos, Brooks continued to grow the Lions lead in overtime with a three-pointer to make the score 79-71. Defense was the forefront as the Lions ultimately closed the game with a 82-74 lead and defeated the Bronchos for their first conference win of the season.
 
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Justin Duff – 16
Rebounding Leader: Tyron Wright – 9
Assist Leader: Martin Maceinis, Isaiah Atwater, Tyrique Brooks - 3
Steal Leader: Seven Tied – 1
 
Central Oklahoma Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Jordan Thompson – 19
Rebounding Leader: Jacobi Sebock - 9
Assist Leader: Jordan Thompson - 4
Steal Leader: Parker Hannah, Jacobi Sebock - 3
 
Up Next:
The Lions will be back in Joplin on Tuesday, December 17, to host the Riverhawks of Northeastern State University at 7:30 PM in Leggett & Platt Athletic Center in the final conference matchup of 2024.
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