Box Score | Season Stats

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Six Bearcats scored double-figures, with junior Nick James' 19 points leading the way, as the SBU Bearcats had a Thanksgiving feast a day early, in a 111-80 win over the St. Mary's (Kan.) Spires. 

The Bearcats had their best night from the perimeter this year, hitting 21 three-pointers (21-of-48, 43.8%), with James hitting a team-high five treys. "We're a much better team when we can shoot the ball," said coach Guiot after his team's final tune-up before the MIAA schedule begins next week. "We moved the ball well, and we shot well. It was a good win for us." As a team, SBU had 22 assists, three more than the previous high this year of 19 against Central BIble College. Senior point guard Tomas Brock led the 'Cats with five, while Tre Smith and Kurt Koenig each had four.

Sophomore Stephen Cotten saw some playing time for the first time this year, coming back from injury. The Eldon, Mo. native scored four points and pulled down three rebounds in just 12 minutes on the court. "We're happy for Stephen. He didn't turn the ball over and played really solid. We didn't want to extend his minutes because if the injury," said Guiot.

Freshmen Zach Kleine and Lane Barlow had a pair of solid performances, each scoring a career-highs of 13 and 10 points, respectively. Guiot can see the potential in the new Bearcats, and hopes they can be a key to SBU's success come conference season. "Our freshmen are getting better as the year goes on, getting more comfortable and confident. It's important that they're getting this experience. The way we play, we've got to use 10 or 11 guys regularly."

With the win, SBU improves to 3-3, after a rough start to the season left them 0-3. The MIAA portion of the schedule kicks off with a bang next Tuesday, November 30, as the Central Missouri Mules come into the Meyer Sports Center, to continue what has arguably been one of the best college basketball rivalries over the past few seasons. "Central is solid, they've got good post players, and some impressive guards. We're capable of winning, but we've got to step it up. The student body will be back and they'll be great. If you like basketball, there's no better place to be on Tuesday night." Tipoff of the first game of the women's/men's doubleheader is 5:30 p.m.