EDMOND, Okla. — Missouri Southern (9-7, 3-4 MIAA) secured an 81-75 victory over Central Oklahoma (11-8, 4-3 MIAA) at Hamilton Field House on Wednesday night.
MSSU overcame a one-point halftime deficit, outscoring UCO 48-41 in the second half. The Lions capitalized from beyond the arc, hitting 12 three-pointers, and maintained control with a 32-28 advantage in total rebounds.
Missouri Southern now holds a record of 9-7 overall and 3-4 in MIAA play. Central Oklahoma stands at 11-8 overall and 4-3 in MIAA competition.
Colin Ruffin scored a career-best 21 points, connecting on 8 of 12 field goals, and added three steals.
Isaiah Atwater also tallied 21 points, successfully making five 3-pointers from six attempts.
Gavyn Elkamil contributed 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers, and recorded six total rebounds.
Hunter Fitch posted a personal-best 12 points, notching two blocks and three steals, while gathering seven rebounds.
Missouri Southern started strong with Atwater's early 3-pointer and maintained an attacking pace with Elkamil and
Brayden Williams contributing key baskets. By 16:46, the visiting team secured an 11-2 advantage, prompting a timeout from Central Oklahoma. Although UCO responded and evened the score midway through the half, Southern regained momentum with a pair of 3-pointers from Atwater and Fitch, keeping the contest tight. In the final minutes, Ruffin scored a fast-break layup to narrow the deficit. Despite Elkamil's last-second 3-pointer, the half ended with Missouri Southern trailing Central Oklahoma, 34-33.
Southern started the second half by capitalizing on a turnover with Ruffin's layup at 19:08, briefly taking the lead. The Lions maintained offensive pressure with Ruffin contributing additional points and an assist to Elkamil for a 3-pointer at 14:23, putting them ahead 48–45. MSSU extended its lead through a sequence of 3-pointers and layups, including an Elkamil 3-pointer at 12:44, pushing the score to 56–48. The visiting team continued to hold momentum with effective plays in the paint, leading to a 13-point advantage at 63–50 following Ruffin's layup at 10:15. MSSU maintained control despite Central Oklahoma's attempts to close the gap, with Southern making crucial free throws and defensive stops. Ruffin's free throws at 1:29 further solidified the Lions' position, leading to a 77–72 margin. MSSU closed the half with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by a block from Fitch at 1:12 and a subsequent defensive rebound. MSSU sealed the game with a dunk by Fitch at 0:31, concluding the half with a 48–41 score advantage, resulting in an overall lead of 79–72.
Head coach
Sam McMahon registered his 50th career win as the leader of the MSSU men's basketball program.
