JOPLIN, Mo. — Jaden Taylor scored a career-best 37 points as Missouri Southern men's basketball (3-2) fell to Rockhurst (3-1) 94-86 Tuesday night at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
Taylor shot 16-of-25 Tuesday including 27 points over the final 20 minutes. The game was Taylor's second 30-plus game of the season as he's scored 20 or more points in each of the first five games to open the 2025-26 campaign.
Despite trailing by 11 points at halftime, MSSU scored 50 points in the second half but could not overcome Rockhurst's nine three-pointers. RU maintained the edge with a 13-point advantage from turnovers, sealing the victory in a competitive matchup that featured six ties and 19 lead changes.
Missouri Southern now stands at 3-2 overall while the Hawks have a 3-1 overall mark this season.
Gavyn Elkamil added 17 points, converting 5 of 7 free throws and pulling down six rebounds.
Daniel Halldorsson contributed 11 points, hitting 5 of 9 field goals for his second-straight double-digit game.
Colin Ruffin tallied nine points and recorded two steals in his return to the lineup since the season opener on Nov. 14.
Tane Kirisome added seven points and a steal.
The opening half featured a competitive start with MSSU initially taking the lead through an early jumper by
Tyrone Wright Jr. The teams exchanged momentum with multiple lead changes, as Kirisome and Taylor contributed key baskets to maintain the pace.
Despite the Lions' efforts, including capitalizing on fast breaks and points from the bench, Rockhurst established a lead by outscoring in the paint. As the half concluded, MSSU faced a 47-36 deficit.
Southern opened the second half with a strong offensive surge, highlighted by Taylor's back-to-back fast-break jumpers, narrowing the deficit to 47-40. The team continued to press, with contributions from Elkamil and Kirisome, who hit a fast-break 3-pointer to keep the pressure on the Hawks. By mid-half, a combination of defensive stops and strategic fast breaks allowed MSSU to tie the game at 70-70 with 8:08 remaining, thanks to another Taylor layup.
As the half progressed, the lead exchanged hands multiple times. Taylor continued his outstanding performance, consistently finding the basket to keep the score competitive. However, RU capitalized on key free throws and a late 3-pointer to regain control, pulling ahead 92-86 in the final minutes. Despite Missouri Southern's efforts to rally in the closing moments, the contest concluded with Rockhurst ahead, 94-86.
MSSU next hosts Tabor College Saturday to close out Thanksgiving week. Tip is set for 1 p.m., CT at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
