Lions knock off No. 20 Emporia State, 73-60

Box Score

The Lions (7-3, 1-0 MIAA) trailed through much of the first half and were down by eight, 26-18, with 4:03 remaining. But Emporia State (7-3, 0-1) missed its last five shots from the field and committed three turnovers. Meanwhile, sophomore point guard Tyler Ryerson scored seven of MSSU's 15 points during the burst as the Lions took a 33-28 lead into the half.

Missouri Southern never trailed in the second half and opened a 10-point margin just 2:34 after the break thanks to two three-point plays by senior guard Quentin Edwards and a half-opening three-pointer from junior Myron Hodge.

The Hornets got a 6-0 burst to trim the lead to four points, 45-41, with 13:36 to go. They stayed close over the next 12 minutes, including trailing by just three, 61-58, with 3:39 on the clock. But Southern ended the game on a 12-2 run as ESU missed six of its last seven shots from the field.

Missouri Southern, the MIAA leader in rebounding margin, won the battle of the boards 44-33 and out-shot its opponent for the ninth time in 10 games. The Lions made 43.6 percent of their shots while Emporia hit just 37.7 percent, including 17.4 percent from three-point range.

Southern got double-doubles from a pair of seniors; Edwards had a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, while center Dan Jones added 11 points and 10 caroms. Ryerson finished with 16 points and seven assists and junior forward Ed Miles added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Emporia State was led by 19 points from sophomore Wes Book, who made three of ESU's four three-point goals on the night. Shawn Herrman added 12 points and shared team-high honors with Anthony Joseph, with six rebounds apiece.

Missouri Southern now gets a week off before returning to action Saturday (Dec. 17) in Las Vegas, Nev. against another nationally-ranked opponent, this time No. 5 Seattle (Wash.) Pacific. Southern also plays on Sunday, Dec. 18 against a local rival, Drury. Both of those games are part of the High Desert Classic.