JOPLIN, Mo. — Five Lions finished in double-digits offensively as Missouri Southern men's basketball dominated Tabor 104-56 Saturday afternoon at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU capitalized on Tabor's 24 turnovers, converting them into 31 points. The Lions also excelled in fast-break opportunities, scoring 34 points, while maintaining a solid defensive presence with 15 steals.
Southern now holds a 4-2 overall record.
Gavyn Elkamil led the team with 18 points, converting all six of his free throws and making four 3-pointers. He has now posted 17 or more points in each of this week's Thanksgiving-week contests.
Jaden Taylor also scored 18 points, finishing a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Isaiah Atwater posted 12 points, going 5-for-5 from the field, including two 3-pointers, for his second double-figures game of the season.
Daniel Halldorsson added 11 points and recorded two steals, contributing to the defensive effort. He has now posted 11 points in consecutive games and double-digits in three straight contests.
Hunter Fitch chipped in a personal-best 10 points to round out the double-digit scoring Lions.
MSSU opened the first half with a strong defensive presence, tallying nine steals and three blocks. Elkamil spearheaded the effort with consecutive free throws at 18:06, tying the score at 2-2 early. The Lions capitalized on turnovers, turning defensive stops into fast-break points, contributing 18 points in transition.
Midway through the half, MSSU's offense gained momentum. Atwater and Taylor hit key jumpers, while Halldorsson's layups further extended the lead. The home team's bench also made significant contributions, adding 22 points to maintain control.
The half concluded with Southern executing a 10–0 run in the final minutes, highlighted by
Tyrone Wright Jr.'s dunk and jumper in the paint. The Lions closed the half leading 55–35, establishing a 20-point advantage over the Bluejays.
MSSU initiated a strong momentum shift early in the second half, capitalizing on Tabor turnovers and converting them into points. Key contributions from Elkamil included back-to-back 3-pointers, widening the lead to 74-45. MSSU continued to dominate the fast break, with Kirisome adding a dunk to further extend the advantage (86-52).
Defensively, Missouri Southern held the Bluejays to limited scoring opportunities. MSSU closed the half with a commanding lead, finishing with a 49-21 run, bringing the score to 104-56 in favor of Southern.
Saturday marked MSSU's second 100-plus point game of the season after downing Maryville, 114-78, on Nov. 28.
Wright Jr. hauled down seven rebounds to go with eight points and two blocks.
The Lions went a perfect 18-for-18 from the charity stripe.
MSSU next hosts Ozark Christian College Tuesday before commencing MIAA play in Joplin. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m., CT at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
