Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team hosted the Newman University Jets on Thursday, February 6 in a conference matchup. After trailing 39-33 at halftime, the Lions came alive in the second half and would defeat the Jets, 85-69.
Missouri Southern (10-11, 5-7 MIAA) vs. Newman (13-9, 6-7 MIAA)
1st Half: Missouri Southern 33 | Newman 39
After four minutes of play,
Tyrone Wright and
Jaden Taylor combined for the first five points for the Lions to match the Jets, 5-5. Newman went on a 15-4 run, but
Martin Macenis halted their momentum with a three-pointer. Macenis then sparked a 10-2 run for the Lions, trimming Jets lead to 22-19 with 9:00 remaining.
After a three-pointer from Newman, Taylor converted back-to-back layups to bring Southern's deficit within one possession, 25-23, with 6:08 until halftime. Both teams traded baskets over the next few minutes. The Jets would hold a slim lead heading into halftime, 39-33.
2nd Half: Missouri Southern 85 | Newman 69
Tyrique Brooks opened the second half with a three-pointer, followed by two quick baskets from Newman. The Lions then responded with a 13-0 run, fueled by
Isaiah Atwater (five points),
Martin Macenis (four points), and
Jaden Taylor (four points), taking a 47-45 lead with 15:15 remaining in the game. Southern continued to drain baskets for an 6-2 rally over the next minute and grew their lead to 53-47.
Justin Duff sank two straight three-pointers that sparked an 11-2 run, giving the Lions a 70-59 lead with 7:00 remaining. Duff wasn't slowing down, sinking three more three-pointers as the Lions extended their lead to 83-67 with just two minutes remaining. Missouri Southern completed the comeback, defeating Newman 85-69.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Jaden Taylor - 26
Rebounds: Tyrone Wright /
Tyrique Brooks /
Justin Duff - 7
Assists: Martin Macenis - 9
Steals: Tyrone Wright - 3
Blocks: Tyrone Wright /
Martin Macenis - 2
Newman Leaders:
Points: Deadric Fikes - 27
Rebounds: Deadric Fikes - 27
Assists: Boston Stanton III - 5
Steals: Sam Somerhalder / Thatcher McClure / Brandon Stanton III - 1
Blocks: Boston Stanton III / Deadric Fikes - 1
Up Next:
Missouri Southern Men's Basketball will host the Emporia State University Hornets on Saturday, February 8 in a conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 3:30 PM in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.
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