JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (1-0) defeated Arkansas Tech (0-1), 80-70, Friday evening in the Lions' season opener at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU improved to 1-0 overall with its victory over Arkansas Tech. The Wonder Boys fell to 0-1 overall following the loss.
Southern picked up the win to close out the opening day of MIAA/GAC Challenge at Young Gymnasium after Southwestern Oklahoma State beat Newman, 82-68.
The Lions capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 25 of 31 attempts, which proved crucial in maintaining their lead. MSSU also excelled in fast-break points, outpacing ATU 25-15, and controlled the boards with a 49-40 rebounding advantage to secure the victory.
ATU stayed competitive with 11 steals but could not overcome the Lions' scoring from beyond the arc, where the home team connected on nine 3-pointers.
Jaden Taylor led the game with a career-best 31 points, converting 12 of 15 free throws and adding seven rebounds. He shot 9-for-19.
Gavyn Elkamil contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers, while gathering six rebounds.
Colin Ruffin added seven points and collected eight rebounds, complementing his performance with three assists.
Isaiah Atwater finished with eight points, hitting two 3-pointers and adding five rebounds.
Missouri Southern and Arkansas Tech opened the game with a competitive first half, where both teams exchanged leads multiple times. ATU initiated the scoring with a dunk by Aiden Underdown, assisted by Donyae May, at the 19:45 mark.
Taylor provided a boost for MSSU, contributing a three-pointer and a dunk to keep the home team close. Atwater's back-to-back three-pointers gave the Lions a slight edge. The home team secured a 39-34 lead at halftime, thanks to
Storm Gilchrist's layup in the final minute.
Arkansas Tech opened the second half with a quick layup by Sam Bradford, narrowing the gap to 39-36. Missouri Southern responded with Taylor's jumper, extending their lead to 43-37. The Wonder Boys kept pace with a jumper from Bradford at the 16:57 mark, but Southern pulled ahead with a scoring burst, including a three-pointer from
Brayden Williams, pushing their lead to 62-52.
Taylor's consistent free throw shooting in the final minute secured the victory, with the Lions closing the game at 80-70.
MSSU wraps the MIAA/GAC Challenge Saturday against Southwestern Oklahoma State. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m., CT at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
