Hot-shooting Western defeats Missouri Southern, 84-70

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Missouri Western's Demarius Bolds scored 28 points and spearheaded a solid shooting night for the Griffons in an 84-70 victory Friday (Dec. 30) over Missouri Southern.

Bolds finished 12-of-19 from the field and made 4-of-7 from three-point range. He had 17 points in the first half on 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

As a team, the Griffons (10-3, 1-1 MIAA) shot 41.4 percent from long distance, making 12 of 29.

In all, MWSU outscored Southern 36-6 from three-point land, as Missouri Southern (8-5, 1-1) tied a season-low with two triples.

The Lions stayed close in the first half as Western's largest lead was eight points. After halftime, the Griffons kept the margin in double digits most of the way, though the Lions trimmed the margin to 10 points with 9:15 to go. MWSU responded with a 13-2 burst to make it 84-63 with 5:15 to go.

Missouri Southern made 47.5 percent from the field but were outrebounded for only the second time this season, 37-32. The Lions also had a season-low nine assists on 28 buckets.

In addition to Bolds' 28 points, the Griffons got 12 from J.R. Reed, 11 from Derrick Melton and 10 from Jason Warren.

Senior Quentin Edwards had 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting to pace Missouri Southern. Junior Ed Miles added 15 points and senior Jeremie Bond charted 14.

Missouri Southern continues action on Jan. 7 at Truman State, which beat Washburn 87-78 Friday in Kirksville.