JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (10-8, 4-5 MIAA) secured a narrow 86-81 victory over #17-ranked Arkansas Fort Smith (15-4, 6-4 MIAA) on Thursday night at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
MSSU built an 18-point lead by halftime and withstood a fierce second-half rally from the UAFS Lions, which hit 14 three-pointers to close the gap. The Southern Lions capitalized on 22 free throws, surpassing their season average of 14.89, and a 38-20 advantage in points in the paint to clinch the win.
MSSU is now 10-8 overall and 4-5 in league play. UAFS holds a record of 15-4 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA.
Hunter Fitch led the MSSU Lions with a career-high total of 17 points, converting 7 of 8 field goal attempts and recording four blocks. He also chipped in 10 boards for his second career double-double.
Colin Ruffin contributed 14 points and showcased his playmaking ability with seven assists, exceeding the team's season average of 13.5 assists (17 total assists Thursday), while also collecting four steals.
Tyrone Wright Jr. added 15 points, successfully converting all three of his free throw attempts and pulling down five defensive rebounds.
Gavyn Elkamil was effective on the boards, securing nine rebounds and adding 13 points.
Jaden Taylor was the fifth Lion in double-figures, scoring 12 Thursday.
MSSU opened the game with strong offensive execution, quickly establishing a lead with a combination of inside scoring and fast-break opportunities. Ruffin and Fitch contributed early points, including a key fast-break dunk by Fitch at 17:18, assisted by Ruffin. The home team capitalized on turnovers by UAFS, translating them into points and maintaining the momentum.
Throughout the period, Southern showcased effective defense, highlighted by multiple blocks and steals. MSSU recorded five blocks Thursday, above its season average of 3.22, and also totaled nine steals over the contest, surpassing its average of 7.94.
Missouri Southern's ability to convert rebounds into scoring plays, including second-chance points in the paint, extended the Lions' advantage. By the end of the first half, Southern led 41–23, supported by surpassing their season average with 30 total defensive rebounds.
Missouri Southern extended its lead in the second half with a strong offensive display, highlighted by
Isaiah Atwater's three-pointer early in the half. Fitch and Ruffin contributed significantly at the free-throw line, maintaining the MSSU Lions' scoring momentum.
Despite Arkansas Fort Smith's attempt to narrow the gap with outside shooting, including several three-pointers, Missouri Southern maintained a consistent lead.
As the final half progressed, Missouri Southern capitalized on pivotal plays, with Wright Jr.'s dunk and Taylor's jumper further extending the advantage. UAFS responded with a series of successful long-range shots, but Southern's defense and free-throw consistency held firm. The game concluded with Elkamil sealing the lead with crucial free throws, ending the contest with a score of 86-81 in the Lions' favor.
MSSU next hosts Northeastern State Saturday at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m., CT.
