Box Score

Bolivar, Mo. - The SBU men's basketball team grinded out a victory over Missouri Western on Tuesday, winning the contest 65-61. The game was a tough, physical battle as SBU had three players in double figures.

The Bearcats would lead by as many as 12 in the first half before Missouri Western would cut the lead down to 5, with SBU leading 34-29 at the break. Missouri Western would pull within five often in the second half, but the Bearcats would never let them take a lead, as SBU went on to a 65-61 victory, finishing the final five games through the first half of MIAA play 4-1.

Preston Guiot was the leading scorer for the Bearcats, posting 20 points while hitting six three point baskets. Guiot also dished out 6 assists in the victory. Robson Memnon had his fourth double-double on the season, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Dougherty hit clutch free throws down the stretch to finish with 14.

As a team the Bearcats shot 32.4% from the field, 27.5% from beyond the arc, and 66.7% from the free throw line. SBU out-rebounded the Griffons 45-40  while only turning the ball over 10 times.

"That victory says something about our defense," head coach Jeff Guiot commented. "Our defensive won the game for us.  We did not shoot very well the second half but we had guys step up. Ryan hit two big free throws and Preston hit a big three.  Ryan and Robson had some big plays down the stretch for us. We have won 4 out of the last five conference games in a very tough league against teams in the upper half of our conference."

The Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday, January 21 when they host Central Missouri. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. from the Meyer Wellness Center in Bolivar, Mo.