PITTSBURG, Kan. — Four Lions finished in double-figures scoring as Missouri Southern men's basketball (14-10, 8-7 MIAA) secured an 83-75 victory over Pittsburg State (14-11, 8-7 MIAA) Monday night at John Lance Arena.
The game remained evenly matched in the second half, with both teams scoring 49 points, but MSSU's nine steals and 21 bench points contributed to its advantage. Pittsburg State's efforts included 38 points in the paint, but it fell short in the conference contest.
The Lions improve to 14-10 this season and 8-7 in MIAA play after beating their conference rival. PSU moves to 14-11 and 8-7 in conference action.
Gavyn Elkamil led the team with 20 points, connecting on 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc and securing eight rebounds in the victory.
Tyrone Wright Jr. also scored 20 points, shooting 9 of 15 from the field, while collecting eight rebounds.
Jaden Taylor contributed 18 points, converting 7 of his 13 field goal attempts.
Isaiah Atwater chipped in 14 points (4-for-9 shooting) with three rebounds and three assists.
Colin Ruffin made a defensive impact with three steals and added eight points.
Missouri Southern opened the first half with a strong start, capitalizing on offensive rebounds to score early, including a dunk by Wright Jr. within the first minute. The Lions maintained momentum with effective ball movement, leading to multiple scoring opportunities in the paint. Key defensive plays, such as steals and blocks, helped maintain the Lions' lead.
As the half progressed, MSSU executed well in transition and from beyond the arc, with Elkamil contributing a crucial 3-pointer at 8:07. MSSU capitalized on turnovers, recording five steals and forcing PSU into nine turnovers. Despite Pittsburg State's attempts to close the gap with fast-break points, Missouri Southern ended the first half ahead, leading 34-26.
In the second half, MSSU opened with Elkamil's three-pointer and a quick transition jumper by Wright Jr. to extend its lead to 39-26. The Lions maintained momentum with effective shooting, including another three-pointer from Elkamil and key assists from Atwater. Missouri Southern capitalized on PSU's turnovers, with Ruffin and
Brayden Williams contributing with steals, while Taylor and Wright Jr. added crucial points in the paint.
As the second half progressed, the Lions held strong defensively despite the Gorillas' attempts to close the gap. Elkamil and Wright Jr. contributed multiple baskets in the paint, extending the Lions' lead to 53–39 by the 13-minute mark. Southern continued to apply pressure with consistent free-throw shooting, culminating in late contributions from Atwater and Elkamil at the line. The half ended with both teams adding 49 points, but Missouri Southern emerged victorious with a final score of 83–75.
With the win, MSSU and PSU have now split the 2025-26 series with each team victorious in the other institution's building.
Monday's contest was the makeup date between the Lions and the Gorillas after the Jan. 24 matchup was postponed due to inclement winter weather.
MSSU next returns to Joplin to host its final two regular-season home contests. The Lions face Fort Hays Thursday before taking on Nebraska Kearney for Senior Day Saturday. Southern will recognize seniors
Jaden Taylor,
Tyrone Wright Jr.,
Prince Agbaeze and
Tane Kirisome prior to tipoff.
