Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team hosted the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos in a conference matchup. After trailing by two points at halftime, the Lions sparked early scoring runs in the second half to take control and secure the 77-71 victory.
 
Missouri Southern (9-7, 4-3 MIAA) | Central Oklahoma (8-8, 2-5 MIAA)
Half 1: Missouri Southern 32 | Central Oklahoma 34
A three-pointer from Tyrique Brooks and a jumper from Martin Macenis countered four points from the Bronchos and gave the Lions a 5-4 lead through the first four minutes of the game. Brooks continued to control the offensive end, assisting Tyrone Wright for a wide-open dunk before knocking down a three-pointer in a 7-2 run to give the Lions a 12-6 lead with 13:06 remaining in the half.
 
Both teams traded baskets over the following minutes as the Bronchos slightly cut into the Lions' lead with 7:48 remaining, 19-14. Central Oklahoma responded with a 5-0 run to cut their deficit to just one point, 26-25, with five minutes remaining. Wright found a rhythm around the rim, sinking two layups to give Southern a 30-27 lead with 3:29 remaining in the first half. The Bronchos ended the half with a 7-2 run to take a 34-32 lead into halftime.
 
Half 2: Missouri Southern 77 | Central Oklahoma 71
After a three-pointer from the Bronchos to open the second half, Tyrone Wright (layup) and Tyrique Brooks (three-pointer) tied the game at 37-37 with 18:30 remaining in the game. Tyrique Jackson led a 5-1 run with a layup and a free throw to regain the lead for the Lions, 42-38, with 16:25 left in the second half. A three-pointer from Justin Duff and an alley-oop dunk from Wright capped a 9-6 run to extend Southerns lead to 51-44 with 11:25 remaining in the game.
 
The Lions continued to battle for possession as Sam Thompson and Martin Macenis each secured an offensive rebound and converted second-chance layups on consecutive plays, responding to a layup at the other end to extend their lead to 55-46. As Central Oklahoma closed the gap to within five points, Isaiah Atwater stopped their momentum by draining a three-pointer off a pass from Macenis, pushing Southerns lead to 61-53 with 7:08 remaining in the half. The Bronchos cut the deficit to six points, 70-64, with 1:04 remaining, the Lions stayed in control and finished strong, securing a 77-71 victory.
 
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Martin Macenis - 16
Rebounding Leader: Isaiah Atwater - 5
Assist Leader: Martin Macenis - 9
Steal Leader: Martin Macenis - 2
 
Central Oklahoma Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Israel Hart - 19
Rebounding Leader: Jacobi Sebock - 8
Assist Leader: Jordan Thompson - 3
Steal Leader: Matthew Willenborg - 2
 
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Missouri Southern Men's Basketball will host the Roger State University Hillcats on Saturday, January 18. Tip-off is set for 3:30 PM in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center. Read Full Article