EMPORIA, Kan. — Missouri Southern men's basketball (13-8, 7-5 MIAA) secured a decisive 93-73 road victory over Emporia State (8-15, 4-10 MIAA) Saturday afternoon at White Auditorium.
MSSU built a commanding 17-point lead by halftime, propelled by 11 three-pointers and 21 assists. The Hornets were unable to close the gap in the second half, despite a 47-point contribution from their bench.
The Lions improved to 13-8 overall and 7-5 in conference play following their fourth-straight win. Emporia State moves to 8-15 in 2025-26 and 4-10 in league contests.
Colin Ruffin scored 23 points, recorded eight assists, and collected eight rebounds, leading the Lions in scoring and assists.
Gavyn Elkamil added a career-best 22 points with six 3-pointers and secured a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds.
Jaden Taylor posted 17 points and contributed five assists, while
Isaiah Atwater scored 13 points, converting three of five from beyond the arc.
Missouri Southern opened the first half with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by an early 3-pointer from Ruffin at 19:04, followed by a series of layups and fast-break points to establish a commanding lead. The team capitalized on ESU's turnovers, with Atwater and
Tyrone Wright Jr. contributing steals that led to quick scores. Ruffin was particularly effective, consistently finding the basket and assisting on several key plays.
Southern built momentum with a 15–4 run by the 16:30 mark, fueled by Ruffin's layup and Wright Jr.'s dunk.
The Lions maintained their momentum throughout the half, with Elkamil hitting several 3-pointers that extended the advantage. The MSSU defense was instrumental in limiting the Hornets' scoring opportunities, allowing only 13 field goals. The half concluded with Southern leading 50–33, demonstrating its offensive efficiency with a 19-for-30 shooting performance.
Southern surged ahead in the second half, sparked by
Brayden Williams' 3-pointer just 16 seconds in, widening its lead to 20 points. MSSU continued to exert pressure, with Ruffin and Atwater contributing key baskets to maintain the offensive momentum. The Lions' defense limited ESU's scoring opportunities, allowing only sporadic field goals.
Midway through the half, Southern capitalized on the Hornets' turnovers with fast-break points, further stretching MSSU's advantage. Taylor added several baskets down the stretch, including a layup and free throws, ensuring that the Lions maintained control. MSSU excelled in the paint, scoring 18 points in this area. The game concluded with a strong finish from Southern, outscoring ESU 43–40 in the second half, leading to a final score of 93–73.
MSSU next hosts Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western State Thursday and Saturday at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium. Game times are set for 7:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., CT.
