JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (6-2, 1-0 MIAA) defeated Rogers State (4-3, 0-1 MIAA) 84-77 in the Lion's MIAA opener Thursday evening at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
Missouri Southern improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in MIAA play after beating the preseason no. 2 ranked team in the Hillcats. RSU is now 4-3 overall and 0-1 in league competition.
Jaden Taylor led the team with 27 points, converting 11 of 13 free throws to go with a 57 percent shooting night.
Tyrone Wright Jr. posted a career-best 20 points while collecting nine rebounds.
Brayden Williams contributed a season-best 11 points, including three 3-pointers, to surpass 500 career points (462 points at Bemidji State, 47 points at MSSU).
Gavyn Elkamil chipped in nine points with six boards and three assists.
Daniel Halldorsson recorded six rebounds and added two steals.
The Lions secured the win with a strong second-half performance, scoring 47 points over the final 20 minutes. MSSU dominated inside with 42 points in the paint and were led by a balanced attack that included 25 points from the bench.
Despite the Hillcats' effort from beyond the arc with eight 3-pointers, Southern's defensive rebounding advantage, totaling 27, helped maintain their edge.
Missouri Southern opened the first half with a strong start, as Wright dunked shortly after the tip-off. Elkamil contributed significantly to the early momentum with a layup and a 3-pointer, giving the home team an early edge. Southern maintained control by converting key opportunities in the paint and securing defensive rebounds.
As the half progressed, Missouri Southern extended their lead with contributions from Taylor and Williams, who both found success beyond the arc and in the paint. Despite a late surge from the Hillcats, including a 3-pointer from Andrew Mason, MSSU held its lead to close the half ahead, 37-34.
Southern started the second half by maintaining their narrow lead. Wright contributed significantly early on, adding points from the free-throw line and a dunk at 17:18 to keep the home team's ahead 43-36. Defensive efforts, including a block by Wright at 17:35, bolstered the Lions' position.
As the half progressed, Missouri Southern extended its advantage with critical plays. Taylor and Williams were instrumental, with Taylor recording multiple jumpers and free throws to maintain momentum. The Lions held firm despite RSU's efforts to close the gap, finishing the contest with an 84-77 victory.
MSSU improves to 7-4 all-time against Rogers State.
Both Southern's men's and women's teams put up 84 points, respectively, in the doubleheader against RSU Thursday.
The Lions next host Central Oklahoma Saturday at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m., CT.
