Torrid shooting from the word go by Missouri Southern State University spurred the nationally 11th-ranked Lions to a 105-88 non-conference men’s basketball victory over Arkansas Tech University at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center in Joplin, Mo., on Saturday afternoon.
Missouri Southern (8-2) made 16 of its first 22 field goal attempts and led by as many as 22 points in the first half. The Lions held a 61-42 advantage at halftime and maintained at least a 12-point margin the rest of the way as they secured their 22nd consecutive home win.
“(Missouri Southern) plays with great pace, especially here at home,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “One of our keys was to survive their initial surge. We knew this was going to be a tough one coming in. We had a lot of positives from some younger guys who haven’t played as much. Our team has yet to peak. I like this team. I believe we’ll be playing our best basketball at the end of the season when it matters most.”
All-America center Cam Martin notched 26 points for the Lions, while Missouri Southern’s Reggie Tharp (21 points) and Elyjah Clark (19 points) both established new season highs in scoring.
Ke’Lyn Adams scored a career-high 20 points for the Wonder Boys. He was 7-of-12 from the field. Dillon Gooding added 15 points and R.J. Glasper poured in 13 points on the day he topped 1,200 points for his ATU career.
Tech’s David Wehmeyer (10 points) and Porter Anderson (eight points) both established new career highs in scoring. Wehmeyer and Anderson were a combined 8-of-8 from the field.
The Wonder Boys (6-4) will return to Great American Conference play when they host Southeastern Oklahoma State University at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($5 adults/$3 students and senior citizens) will be available at the door. Those with a valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
