Box Score
Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Lions played host to the Bearcats Saturday afternoon, defeating SBU 68-73. With the loss, SBU moves to 8-7 (2-4 MIAA).
 
The first points of the game were scored by Karim Mouliom, two of his 23, coming on a layup a little over a minute in. Missouri Southern's first points were scored on a three point shot. They scored a layup on their following possession, but Godfrey Rolle made a three to even the score. On SBU's next possession, Maris Colton was feeling confident, making a three as well. Just before the halfway point of the first half, MSSU stretched their lead to 11.
 
After their lead grew to 11, Damian Prgomet slammed home a dunk on an assist from Godfrey Rolle, but was also fouled. Prgomet made the free throw, completing the three point play. Following buckets by both teams, Godfrey Rolle nailed another three, cutting the Southern lead to 5. With 6:57 left in the half, Maris Colton made a layup to bring SBU within 3. A turnover by MSSU led to a Quinn Nelson three pointer to tie the game with 6:27 to go in the half. Maris Colton helped the Bearcats take the lead, scoring a layup at 5:14, 27-25 SBU. The next points came almost 2 and a half minutes later, but it was another SBU score to extend their lead to 4. Southern quickly scored two buckets for five points to regain the lead, but a Karim Mouliom jumper helped the Bearcats take over once again. The Lions scored once more in the final minute of the half, giving them a 32-31 lead at halftime.
 
Karim Mouliom got the scoring going in the second half. He was awarded two free throws after being fouled on a shot. He made one of the two, then Quinn Nelson made a three to give SBU a three point lead. Two more layups by Mouliom and a layup from Damian Prgomet gave SBU an 8 point lead early in the second. Missouri Southern kept chipping away at SBU's lead, narrowing it down to 2 with 11:19 to go. Again, it was Mouliom that kept SBU in control, successfully converting a three point play.
 
With 6:47 left in the game, MSSU took the lead and wouldn't surrender it again. Godfrey Rolle successfully converted on two free throw shots, bringing SBU back within 1, but the Lions responded with free throws of their own. Quinn Nelson made a couple more free throws, but MSSU hit a big three to give them a 5 point lead with 3:40 left. Another three point play was converted by Maris Colton under three minutes, but MSSU answered back. The remainder of the contest was primarily free throws from both teams. The Lions held on to their lead, winning 73-68.
 
Karim Mouliom had his second straight double-double, scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 9-15 from the field. Maris Colton also contributed 14 points and 4 rebounds. Quinn Nelson and Godfrey Rolle both finished with 10 points, the other Bearcats with double digit points. Chris Rossow added 7 assists.
 
SBU will play at home in their next contest, hosting Lindenwood on Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 PM.