Southern (16-7, 6-7 MIAA) shot 61 percent from the field and 67 percent from long range in the first half, but the Lions were out rebounded 19-8 at the break as SBU (16-3, 9-3 MIAA) took a 61-48 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Lions, however, came back and out rebounded the Bearcats 26-7 in the second half and outscored SBU 47-41, but couldn't complete the comeback.

Jason Adams led the Lions with 21 points off the bench as five different players scored in double-figures. Mariun Price and Vincent Ateba scored 16 each, while DaRell Crittendon and Skyler Bowlin had 15 and 12, respectively.

The Bearcats were led in scoring from D'Ante Harris with 29 points on 10-15 shooting. Harris knocked down 7-10 from long range as SBU converted on 16-32 from beyond the arc.

SBU led 76-59 at the 11 minute mark of the second half after a pair of free-throws from Matt Rogers. Southern would cut the lead to eight six times in the second half, the last coming off a layup from Crittendon making the score 96-88 with 2:15 to go. Another layup from Crittendon cut the lead to six the next trip down, but the Bearcats' Tomas Brock split a pair of free-throws with 16 seconds left to seal the win.

After trailing in rebounding 19-8 in the first half, the Lions came back and out-rebounded SBU 34-26 in the game. Both teams shot 56 percent from the field and 50 percent from long range. The Lions forced 15 SBU turnovers, scoring 20 points off the miscues and out-scored the Bearcats 44-28 in the paint.

Southern will be off for a week and the Lions will next play on Saturday, February 7 when the team travels to St. Joseph to take on Missouri Western. Tip off is slated for 7:30 pm.