KANSAS CITY, Mo. — No. 7 seeded Missouri Southern men's basketball (18-12) secured a 70-67 victory over second seeded Central Missouri (23-9) in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships Thursday evening at Municipal Auditorium.
With the victory, the Lions advance to the 2026 MIAA Championship Semifinals on Saturday. MSSU will face the winner of No. 3 Rogers State and No. 6 Fort Hays State at 8:15 p.m., CT Saturday.
MSSU heads to the Semifinals of the league tournament for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
A strong first half saw Missouri Southern establish an 11-point lead, which proved crucial as UCM mounted a comeback with a 44-point second half. The Lions capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off the Mules' errors, while maintaining a decisive 44-26 advantage in the paint.
Jaden Taylor scored 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting and collected eight rebounds.
Isaiah Atwater added 13 points, converting three 3-pointers out of six attempts.
Tyrone Wright Jr. posted a double-double (fifth in 2025-26) with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Colin Ruffin contributed with eight points, four assists, and two steals.
Missouri Southern opened the first half with a quick start, highlighted by a layup from Wright Jr. assisted by Ruffin. The Lions' strong defensive rebounding and effective scoring in the paint allowed it to maintain an advantage. Taylor contributed significantly with multiple layups and a jumper, pushing the score to 24–14.
The Mules attempted to stay close with successful 3-pointers and free throws. However, Southern's offense, led by effective fast-break opportunities and a last-second 3-pointer by
Gavyn Elkamil, assisted by Taylor, closed the half with a 34–23 lead.
Southern opened the second half by capitalizing on turnovers and strong defense. Elkamil initiated momentum with a steal, allowing Taylor to score a jumper. Atwater and Ruffin each made key contributions, with Atwater hitting two 3-pointers, assisted by Ruffin, extending the lead to 42–25.
The Lions maintained its edge through effective scoring in the paint and defensive stops. Wright Jr. added a crucial layup, and Atwater continued to perform, pushing the MSSU advantage. Despite Central Missouri's attempts to rally with perimeter shots, the Lions held firm. The game concluded with a narrow MSSU win, finishing 70–67 as the final buzzer sounded.
MSSU heads to the Semifinals of the league tournament for the first time since the 2019-20 season. That season the Lions beat Northeastern State in the Quarterfinals, 96-60 (March 6, 2020). MSSU then advanced to the Championship Finals after a 76-70 win over Rogers State (March 7, 2020) in the Semifinals.
MSSU is now 27-28 at the MIAA Basketball Championship Tournament (14-17 in quarterfinals).
The Lions will next face the winner of No. 3 Rogers State and No. 6 Fort Hays State at 8:15 p.m., CT Saturday in the 2026 MIAA Championship Semifinals.
