The Lions (9-3, 3-0 MIAA) are off to a perfect 3-0 start in the MIAA for the first time since the 2000-01season when Southern went 5-0 to start conference play.

Pittsburg State (10-2, 1-2 MIAA) jumped out to a 12-6 advantage at the 14 minute mark after a layup from Cory Abercrombie.

The Lions, however, tied the game at 15 after a bucket from Kyle Schrage. The game was tied again at 17, 19, 24, 26 and 28, but a layup from Vincent Ateba with just over a minute left in the half, gave Southern a one point advantage (31-30). A dunk from Britton on the next possession gave Southern a 33-30 lead at the half.

PSU opened the second half on a 10-2 run and took a five point lead (40-35) just three minutes into the half. A free-throw from Tony Webb at 13:16 tied the game at 44, and a layup from Tyler Ryerson on a steal from Britton gave Southern a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

The Lions pushed the lead to ten on four different occasions and twice led by 12, the last time on free throws from Webb.

Britton was 7-9 from the field for 16 points on the night. Ateba scored 15 points and dished out four assists, while Webb and Ryerson had 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lions forced 28 PSU turnovers and stole the ball 14 times tonight. PSU out rebounded Southern 35-25, but couldn't overcome the hot shooting from MSSU as the Lions shot 55 percent from the field.

Southern will now head to Warrensburg on Saturday, January 12 to take on Central Missouri in a 3:30 pm tip off. The Mules are one of three teams in a tie for second place in the MIAA.