EMPORIA, Kan. – The Missouri Southern men’s basketball team got a much-needed road win today as the Lions took out Emporia State 75-64 inside White Auditorium.
Southern (5-5, 5-5 MIAA) was led by a career-night from Lawson Jenkins as he went 5-of-11 from the three-point line and 7-of-13 overall to score 19 points. Cam Martin scored 19 points and had nine rebounds and five assists, while Stan Scott chipped in 12 points and seven boards. Christian Bundy scored nine points on 3-of-4 from the field.
Emporia State (6-5, 6-5 MIAA) was led by 20 points from Jumah’Ri Turner.
Both teams fought back and forth early on for the lead, but the Hornets utilized a 10-3 run midway through the first half to open up a 26-18 lead with 9:35 to go. The Lions answered back with a three from Jenkins the next trip down to get within five and a three from Scott with 8:41 to go cut the lead to two (26-24).
A three from Kyle Younge with 4:10 on the clock gave the Lions a 32-31 lead and was part of a 14-5 run to get Southern back into the game. The Lions ended the half on a 23-9 run, including 7-0 in the final 2:30 of the half to lead 41-35 heading into the break.
A pair of free throws from Christian Bundy gave the Lions a 47-39 lead with 17:28 left in the second half, but the Hornets tied the game at 47 and then took a 49-47 lead with 13:17 left on the clock. The teams traded baskets until a three from Jenkins with 8:33 left put the Lions on top 58-55.
Another three from Jenkins, this time with 6:12 left on the clock put the Lions up 63-55 and one more three with 2:25 left put Southern up 71-62. A pair of freebies from RJ Smith put the Lions up 11 (73-62) and the Hornets would not get any closer.
Southern shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from long-range, while making 12-of-13 from the free throw line (92.3%). The Lions forced 20 turnovers and scored 18 points off the miscues.
The Lions will be back in action on Jan. 21 as Southern plays host to Fort Hays State. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is set for 7:30 pm.
Originally posted at https://mssulions.com/news/2021/1/16/mens-basketball-balanced-effort-leads-lions-past-emporia-state-75-64
