BOLIVAR, Mo. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (7-4, 1-1 MIAA) fell to Southwest Baptist (7-4, 2-2 GLVC) 79-71 in a non-conference matchup Friday at Meyer Sports Center.
MSSU was led by a strong bench effort, contributing 40 points, while forcing 10 steals. SBU secured the win with a 46-point second half, capitalizing on 17 made free throws and out-rebounding the Lions, 39-33.
MSSU now holds an overall record of 7-4 after its final non-conference matchup of the season. Southwest Baptist also stands at 7-4 overall in 2025-26.
Gavyn Elkamil scored 15 points, including three 3-pointers, three steals, three rebounds and two assists. It marked his ninth double-digit game of the campaign.
Daniel Halldorsson added a season-high 14 points, making four 3-pointers and dishing out four assists with six rebounds.
Brayden Williams also contributed a season-best 14 points and made four 3-pointers, while collecting four rebounds.
Tyrone Wright Jr. posted two blocks, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded two steals.
The game commenced with MSSU struggling to find its rhythm early on, falling behind 13–0 by the 15:15 mark. However, Williams sparked a comeback, converting a 3-pointer at 15:06 to initiate the Lions' scoring.
Missouri Southern gradually chipped away at SBU's lead, with Williams hitting another 3-pointer with just 48 seconds on the clock to close the gap to 33–29.
A late 3-pointer by Halldorsson at the buzzer brought Missouri Southern within one point, ending the first half at 33–32.
MSSU opened the second half by trading baskets with the Bearcats, maintaining a slim edge early on. Elkamil connected from beyond the arc, contributing to a brief 45-42 lead. However, the Bearcats responded with consistent scoring, keeping the game tightly contested.
Midway through the second half, Southern pulled ahead with a series of successful free throws by
Jaden Taylor, complemented by a three-pointer from
Tane Kirisome, extending the Lions' lead to 52–45. SBU countered with a scoring run, closing the gap, but MSSU's defense forced multiple turnovers to regain momentum.
The Bearcats made a late push, tying the game at 69-69 with under two minutes remaining. Despite efforts from Elkamil and Wright, SBU capitalized on free throws and a decisive three-pointer in the final seconds. The Bearcats secured the win, 79–71.
Prince Agbaeze competed for the first time this season, appearing in seven minutes and grabbing a rebound.
MSSU next heads to Northeastern State University Sunday to close out 2025. Tip is set for 4 p.m., CT at NSU Event Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
