Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team hosted the University of Central Missouri Mules,. Both teams stayed competitive in the first half with key plays from Jaden Taylor, Tyrique Jackson, and Justin Duff. The Mules gained an advantage and held on for a 78-56 win.
 
Missouri Southern (11-16, 6-12 MIAA) vs. Central Missouri (14-13,9-9 MIAA)
1st Half:
The first half opened as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads early on. Jaden Taylor got the Lions on the board with a jumper at the 19:46 mark, but the Mules quickly answered with a three-pointer moments later to take a 3-2 lead. Southern gained momentum, with rebounds from Tyrone Wright and Tyriqe Jackson leading to a tip-in by Jackson at 17:26, putting the Lions ahead 6-5. Tyrique Brooks added four points to push the lead to 10-8 with 15:27 remaining.
 
Southern remained competitive as Justin Duff knocked down a three-pointer at the 12:43 mark, followed by another from Martin Macenis with 11:46 on the clock, giving the Lions a 16-14 edge. Central Missouri responded with a late push to reclaim the lead. A jumper by Duff evened the score at 28-28, but the Mules answered, and the Lions went into halftime trailing 35-30.
 
2nd Half:
Central Missouri extended their advantage early in the second half. Southern kept battling, with Tyrique Brooks sinking several baskets and key free throws. Jaden Taylor, Tyriqe Jackson, and Ibn Loyal added points in the paint, and Cooper Francis nailed a late 3-pointer at 1:40. The Mules maintained their lead and secured a 78-56 win.
 
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Tyrique Brooks - 19
Rebounds: Martin Macenis - 6
Assists: Martin Macenis - 3
Steals: Jaden Taylor / Justin Duff - 1
Blocks: Tyrone Wright - 2
 
Central Missouri Leaders:
Points: Kyran Tilley - 20
Rebounds: Josh Nwankwo - 8
Assists: Six players - 1
Steals: Five players - 1
Blocks: -
 
Up next:
The Lions return to action on Saturday, March 1, as they host the Washburn University Ichabods in the MIAA TV Game of the Week. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:40 p.m., and Southern will honor their seniors prior to tip-off. Read Full Article