JOPLIN, Mo. — Eight Lions finished in double-figures scoring as Missouri Southern men's basketball dominated fellow Joplin institution, Ozark Christian, securing a decisive 133-68 victory Tuesday night at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU showcased a strong offensive performance, shooting 52-for-92 (56.5 percent) from the field, including 15-for-38 (39.5 percent) from three-point range. The home team capitalized on turnovers, converting 22 opponent miscues into 29 points. The Lions also controlled the boards with a 56-28 rebounding advantage, including 21 offensive rebounds.
MSSU now holds a 5-2 overall record heading into MIAA conference play Thursday.
Colin Ruffin scored a career-best 16 points, converting 7 of 11 field goals, and added a game-high, personal-best six assists.
Gavyn Elkamil tallied 15 points, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers on seven attempts.
Jaden Taylor and
Cody Lechlider (career high) also both finished with 15 points, respectively.
Isaiah Atwater chipped in 12 points and
Tanner Baird had a personal-best 10.
Daniel Halldorsson contributed with five assists and recorded two steals to go with 10 points.
Hunter Fitch posted a personal-high 11 points with two blocked shots and collected two steals.
Missouri Southern opened the first half with a strong showing, quickly establishing control through effective shooting and defensive plays. Elkamil and Ruffin contributed early with three-pointers, helping the home team to an 11–6 lead within the first few minutes. The team's defensive efforts forced multiple turnovers, which were converted into points, maintaining momentum.
Taylor and
Tyrone Wright Jr. played pivotal roles in extending the lead, as they combined for several baskets and defensive stops. With a continued push, Atwater and
Brayden Williams each added three-pointers, further widening the gap. By the midpoint, Southern held a commanding lead, capitalizing on the Ambassadors' turnovers and securing defensive rebounds.
As the half progressed, the home team continued to outpace their opponents, with contributions from Fitch and Lechlider capping off scoring drives. With consistent shooting from beyond the arc and strong rebounding, Southern closed the first half leading 72–41, setting a decisive tone for the game.
MSSU opened the second half with a significant continuation of momentum, sparked by Elkamil's early three-pointer. Solid defensive efforts, including a block by Wright Jr. and multiple rebounds by
Tane Kirisome, helped maintain control. Taylor contributed with consecutive jumpers, extending the lead.
Throughout the half, Missouri Southern capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, with Ruffin and Fitch adding to the scoreboard with a layup and dunk, respectively. Halldorsson's three-point shooting further increased the lead, as the team built a significant margin over the Ambassadors.
As the second half progressed, Southern continued to dominate, with
Van Collins and Baird adding key points inside the paint. The game closed with MSSU leading decisively, wrapping with a 133-68 victory.
For the Lions, it was their third 100-plus scoring game of the season and second straight.
MSSU was just four points away from matching its single-game record of 137 points posted twice (vs. OCC, 11/17/00, vs. Baptist Bible, 11/29/18).
MSSU next opens MIAA play in the night cap of a Lions' doubleheader Thursday at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. The Southern men will face Rogers State at 7:30 p.m., CT following the conclusion of the MSSU women and the Hillcats at 5:30 p.m.
