St. Louis, Mo. – Monday's matchup was a rescheduled game from earlier this season, when it was postponed due to COVID-19 protocol. Missouri-St. Louis began the season ranked #9 in the NABC Coaches Poll, but fell out of the top 25 in the recent poll, still receiving votes. The defense-heavy game between the UMSL Tritons and the SBU men's basketball team ended in favor of the Tritons, 71-63. This marks the first loss for the Bearcats, bringing their record to 1-1 (1-1 GLVC) this season.
 
The beginning of the game was rather quiet on the offensive side of the ball, but UMSL began to make a push and take a 23-10 lead with just under 9 minutes before the half. A three-point play by Mitch Ganote sparked the Bearcats and began an 18-6 run heading into halftime. Ganote, Tyler Williams, Jalil Beaubrun, Brady Smith, and Nico Aguirre all contributed to that run, helping the Bearcats cut the Triton lead to just 29-28 at the half.
 
Joe Miller got the Bearcats going in the second half with a free throw followed by a jumper. The teams went back and forth, scoring baskets on both ends. With 13:32 left, UMSL stretched their lead to 10, but Jalil Beaubrun hit a three and Quinn Nelson made two free throws to cut that lead in half. Later in the game, Joe Miller completed an and-one play and Brady Smith nailed a set of free throws to tie the game up at 50 each. Two more free throws by Smith and a Juan Morales layup gave SBU their first lead of the game at 54-50 with 7:28 left. The Tritons quickly responded and kept their foot on the gas. Joe Miller made a jumper with 26 seconds left to make the score 63-69, but free throws helped UMSL seal the game at 71-63.
 
UMSL led the turnover battle with 16 turnovers to SBU's 14. Brady Smith led the team in scoring again, making 4 field goals and 5 free throws for 13 points. He also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Joining Smith with double digits was Mitch Ganote (12 points) and Joe Miller (12 points). Miller also led the team in rebounds, hauling in 8 boards. The Bearcats allowed just one UMSL player to hit double digits, when the team came into the game with four players averaging double digits.
 
SBU will host Rockhurst on Wednesday, December 16 for their home opener. Tipoff is set for 3 PM at the Meyer Sports Center. Fans will not be allowed to attend the game, but will be live streamed at https://www.glvcsn.com/sbu/.