Preview- MSSU men to play host to Central Missouri

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball program will look to remain in first place as the Lions will play host to the Central Missouri Mules this Saturday. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 3 pm.    

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (14-6, 7-3 MIAA) vs. Central Missouri (9-11, 4-7 MIAA) 

Date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2015
Tip-Off: 3:00 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site:Robert Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center (3,240)
Series Record: Central leads series 34-22
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (14-6 overall/at MSSU). Doug Karleskint (16-4 at UCM/106-38 overall)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: FM 99.7 KBTN - Mike McClure - Play-by-play
Internet Audio: www.mssulions.com
Webcast: www.mssulions.com
Live Stats: www.mssulions.com
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

A look at the coaches: Jeff Boschee, MSSU - Jeff Boschee is in his first season as the head coach of the Missouri Southern basketball program after serving four seasons as an assistant and associate head coach. He was named the head coach of the Lions on July 1, 2014.  Since Boschee arrived at Southern, the Lions have gone 100-40, made four consecutive MIAA tournaments and had trips to three of the last four NCAA Division II postseason tournaments, while claiming the 2010-11 MIAA regular season championship, and the 2013-14 post-season tournament championship. The 2010-11 team set the MIAA record for conference wins in a season with 19. Under Boschee's leadership, former Lion Skyler Bowlin was the MIAA's Player and Defender of the Year in 2011. He was a first-team All-MIAA, All-Region and All-American selection, being named to three different All-America teams. He was also the Region Player of the Year and a finalist for the National Player of the Year. Bowlin signed a professional contract to play basketball in the German Pro League after completing his eligibility and has since moved on to playing in Denmark.

The University of Central Missouri announced that Doug Karleskint has been hired as the 24th head men's basketball coach in the 109-year history of the program. Karleskint has compiled a 90-34 record in four seasons as the head coach at Arkansas Tech. His Wonder Boy teams captured four straight conference championships and made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2012. He coached 11 all-conference performers during his tenure at Arkansas Tech, including one Great American Conference (GAC) Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and an All-American. Prior to his time as head coach, Karleskint served as the top assistant for the Wonder Boys in 2009-10 when the team went 30-2, won the Gulf South Conference title and finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation.

The Series - Central leads the series 34-22 and the Mules have won five of the last eight games. The Lions are 14-11 vs. UCM at home and 8-18 on the road. Central has won all five of the neutral site battles between the two clubs. The Lions are 0-5 all-time against the Mules in MIAA Tournament games and have played Central Missouri once in the NCAA Tournament. 

Defending Champs - The Lions won the 2014 MIAA Basketball Tournament in Kansas City last year, defeating Nebraska-Kearney in the opener. The Lions beat Northwest Missouri in game two and won against Central Oklahoma in the Tournament Championship.    

Player of the Week - Taevaunn Prince was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Player of the Week this week. Prince averaged 22 points and 10.5 rebounds in helping the Lions to wins over Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western.   

Record Breakers - Junior shooting guard Austin Wright set two records for the Lions last year, breaking the single-season three point percentage mark (.493) and he also is the current career-leader in that category (.464). 

Record Breakers II - Wright is climbing the charts in career three pointers made at MSSU. He moved into the top five last week and currently sits in fourth at 154 career treys. He needs 71 to break Skyler Bowlin's record of 224.   

Record Breakers III - Wright broke the MSSU single-game three point record against Northeastern State when the junior hit nine as part of 28 points in the Lions' 90-54 win. 

Three Point Streak - The Lions failed to make a three-pointer at Arkansas Tech in their match-up in 2012-13. It was the first time in 403 games that Southern had failed to hit a three pointer, dating back to Jan. 20, 1999 against Missouri S&T. The Lions have had a three in 73-straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13. 

Stingy Defense -  The Lions have held their opponents to 71 points or under in 11 of their last 15 games. Against Benedictine, Southern held the Ravens to 48 points, nearly 20 points below the season average for the No. 4 ranked team in the NAIA. The total is the lowest opponent output since the Lions held Central Bible to 39 points in 2012.   

Double-Double This - Taevaunn Prince has six double-double's this season. Against Emporia State, both Prince and Lane Barlow had a double-double each. 

Big Game Tae - In the last 11 games, Taevaunn Prince is averaging 17.8 points and 9.5 rebounds, while shooting 48% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line.  

Heatin Up - Over the last 11 games, the Lions have gone 9-2. In that time, they're out scoring their opponents by a margin of 12.4, while shooting 45 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 77 percent from the free throw line. They are also out rebounding their opponents by a margin of 4.7 and making 7.6 3's per game.

Perfect When - The Lions are perfect this year when they do the following things: score 90+ (4-0), have more assists (8-0) and out shoot the opponent (12-0).

NCAA Stat Leaders - The Lions, as a team, rank 11th nationally in free throw attempts, while ranking 6th in free throws made. They rank 21st in free throw percentage and 22nd in three point defense. Individually, Austin Wright ranks 8th nationally in three point percentage, while ranking 22nd in total threes and 49th in threes/game.Greg Renfroe ranks 22nd in total blocks and 28th in blocks per game, while Taevaun Prince ranks 20th in free throws made and 28th in free throw attempts.         

MIAA Stat Leaders - As a team, the Lions lead the MIAA in free throw percentage, free throws made, free throws attempted and three point defense. The team ranks second in defensive rebounds, while ranking third in offensive rebounds and scoring offense. Individually, Renfroe leads the league in total blocks and blocks per game, while Prince leads the league in free throws made and attempted. Austin Wright leads the league in three point percentage, while ranking second in both total threes and threes/game.

Up Next - Southern will be back in action a week from Saturday when they travel to Central Missouri to take on the Mules on Feb. 7. Tip off is slated for 3:30 pm. 

Preview- MSSU women to face Central Missouri

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Game Information
Date: Saturday January 31, 2015
Tip-Off: 1:00 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record:  UCM leads, 35-20

Coaches
UCM: Dave Slifer, 207-109 (11th Season/UCM);591-208 (26th Season/Overall)
MSSU: Ronda Hubbard, 32-13 (2nd Season)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: KBTN 99.7 FM, Mike McClure play-by-play
Internet Audio: mssulions.com
Webcast: mssulions.com
Live Stats: mssulions.com
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @MOSO_Wmns_Bball

MIAA Team Rankings - The Lions ranked 1st in the MIAA in free throw percentage (.767), rebounding defense (30.6 rpg), 3rd in 3-pt FG percentage (.356), 3-pt FG percentage defense (.296), 4th in reboundin margin (+6.3 rpg), scoring defense (56.4 ppg), steals (8.4 spg),  5th in scoring margin (+12.2 ppg), 3-pt FG made (6.2 per game), 6th in FG percentage (.427), and 6th in assists (13.5 apg).

MIAA Individual Ranks - Sharese Jones is 9th in the MIAA in scoring with 14.9 ppg, 4th in FG percentage as she is shooting 55.3% from the field hitting 89-161, T-6th in rebounding with 7.4 rpg, 6th in free throw percentage shooting 82.5% (66-80).
Nic Hartzog is 17th in the league in scoring with 12.5 ppg, 3rd in free throw percentage shooting 84.7%, 72-85 from the line, and 2nd in steals with 2.2 spg.
Lex Fitzpatrick is 9th in the MIAA with 3.2 assists per game. 

National Stat Leaders - The Lions are 13th in NCAA D2 in free throw percentage shooting 76.7% as a team and in scoring defense allowing just 56.4 ppg.  The Lions are also 31st in scoring margin with a +13.3 ppg, 34th in rebounding margin +6.2 rpg, and 49th in 3-pt FG percentage shooting 35.6%. Sharese Jones is 23rd in all of NCAA D2 in field-goal percentage shooting 55.3% from the floor and Nic Hartzog is 66th in free throw percentage shooting 84.7 % .

Dialing long distance - The Lions have made a three pointer in 427 consecutive games. The last time Southern did not make a shot from downtown was in a 68-53 loss to Southern Arkansas on Nov. 20, 1999.

Defensive effort - The Lions have not allowed 100 points to an opponent since Emporia State defeated Southern 102-60 on Feb. 12, 2000. That is 407 straight games without allowing 100+ points.

Leading at the half - The Lions have led the game at the half in 12 of 18 games this season and are 11-1. Southern is 22-5 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

Outshoot the Opponents - Southern has out-shot their opponents in 10 out of 18 games this season and are 25-4 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

Dropping Dimes - The Lions dropped more dimes than their opponents in 12 out of 18 games this season and are 28-5 when that happens all time under Coach Hubbard. The Lions set a new team record for assists in a game with 33 assists on 39 made buckets against Central Christian on November 25, 2014.

Glass Cleaners - The Lions, as a team out rebounded 12 of their 18 opponents this season and are 28-6 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

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MSSU women defeat Southwest Baptist 79-61

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Lions (13-5, 7-4 MIAA) dominated on the boards as they defeated Southwest Baptist (7-11, 3-8 MIAA) 79-61 Thursday night inside the Meyer Sports Center in Bolivar.

After trailing by five twice in the early going, the Lions rebounded and tied the game at 11-11 on a layup fromSharese Jones and took the lead for good at the 13:50 mark on an and one from Nic Hartzog for the 14-11 lead.

Southern pushed its lead up to 11, 36-25, with 3:11 to play in the half as Camila Lacerda put back a fastbreak layup miss from Hartzog. SBU would then go on a 6-0 run to close the half and narrow the lead to five at 36-31.

For the half Southern out shot the Bearcats 51.7 percent (15-29) to 47.8 percent (11-23) from the floor, however SBU had the advantage at the free throw line going 8-8 while the Lions were only 1-1.

On the first posession of the second half Lacerda sank a layup to end the SBU run and the Lions pushed their lead up to 12 at 49-37 on a jumper from Lex Fitzpatrick. SBU went on a 7-2 run to get the closest since an 11-9 lead in the first half, at 51-47 with 11:13 to play. Southern answered with a 14-4 run to open a 65-51 lead following a pair of freebies from Jones.

SBU got within 10 after a pair of free throws from Mackenzie Skupa with 2:56 to play before the Lions went on a 10-2 run, all from the free throw line, over the last three minutes to make the final 79-61.

Three Lions scored in double figures as Hartzog led with 19, Jones added 17, and Lacerda with 12. Jones narrowly missed her sixth double-double of the season as she pulled down nine rebounds.

For the game Southern finished 26-50 from the field, 52 percent, 6-13 from downtown, 46.2 percent, and 21-25 from the free throw line, 84 percent. The Lions went 20-24 from the charity stripe in the second half alone.

The Lions will return home to Robert Corn Court inside The Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on Saturday as they host the Jennies of Central Missouri in a 1:00 pm contest.

MSSU men overcome 17-point deficit to beat SBU

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team erased a 17-point Southwest Baptist lead and came-from-behind to defeat the Bearcats 68-65 tonight inside the Meyer Sports Center.

Southern (14-6, 8-3 MIAA) moves into a four-way tie for first place in the MIAA with the win. Cameron Corneliusled the Lions with 22 points and five rebounds going 11-16 from the free-throw line. Austin Wright scored 12 points, while Taevaunn Prince added ten and seven boards.

SBU (9-12, 4-8 MIAA) was led in scoring by 16 points and 17 rebounds from Menas Stephens.

The Lions scored six of the game's first eight points and led 6-2 after a layup from Greg Renfroe with 18:53 left in the first half. The Bearcats, however, answered right back and scored seven in a row to lead 9-6 with 16:55 left. A jumper from Cornelius cut the SBU lead to one (11-10) with 14:39 left in the half, but the Bearcats went on a 18-2 run over the next five minutes and led 29-12 after a three with 9:16 to go in the half.

A free throw from Cornelius with 4:51 to go cut the lead to ten (33-23), and a jumper from Randy Clark with 45 seconds to go, made the halftime score 37-27.

Both teams shot 36 percent from the field in the first half and the Lions forced three more turnovers (10-7) on the Bearcats, but a 24-16 advantage for SBU on the boards spelled the difference in the half.

A 9-5 run to start the second half, capped by back-to-back jumpers from Wright cut the lead to six (42-36) and forced an SBU timeout. A three from Lane Barlow the next trip down cut the lead to just three (42-39) with 15:55 to go in the game.

Back-to-back threes from Wright made the score 46-45, SBU, with 12:37 to go in the game, and a three-point play from Prince the next trip down gave the Lions their first lead since the 17:43 mark of the first half. Both teams traded leads until a layup from Cornelius with 4:09 left to go gave Southern a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Prince hit four free throws in the final 30 seconds to secure the win for the Lions.

The Lions shot 55 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range, while hitting 85 percent of their free throws in the second half. Southern forced 20 SBU turnovers and had a season-high 12 steals in the game.

Southern will be back in action this Saturday as the Lions play host to Central Missouri. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 3:00 pm.

MSSU baseball picked sixth in MIAA

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern baseball program has been picked to finish sixth in the league this year as the MIAA released the preseason coaches poll today. 

The Lions return 18 players from last year's squad, including six position starters and five pitchers. Junior Payton Walker returns as the lone All-MIAA pick from last season. 

Emporia State was picked to win the league, earning ten of the 14 first-place votes. Central Missouri was picked second, with Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western and Nebraska-Kearney rounding out the top five. 

Southern was sixth, followed by Southwest Baptist, Northeastern State, Washburn, Lindenwood, Fort Hays, Pittsburg State, Northwest Missouri and Lincoln. 

The Lions open up the 2015 regular season with four games at home against Upper Iowa on Feb. 14 and 15. First pitch on both days is slated for noon. 

2015 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Emporia State (10)               164
2. Central Missouri (2)             155
3. Central Oklahoma (2)             143
4. Missouri Western                 132
5. Nebraska-Kearney                 121
6. Missouri Southern                 97
7. Southwest Baptist                 88
8. Northeastern State                87
9. Washburn                          75
10. Lindenwood                       70 
T11. Fort Hays State                 44
T11. Pittsburg State                 44
13. Northwest Missouri               41
14. Lincoln                          13

MSSU softball picked 11th in preseason poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Lions were picked 11th in the MIAA Pre-Season Coaches poll that was released today.

Toping the poll is the 2014 MIAA regular season champion Emporia State, who received 12 of the 14 first place votes. Coming in second was Central Oklahoma who received the other two first place votes. Picked third was Missouri Western, who won the 2014 MIAA Post-Season Tournament. Behind the Griffons in fourth place was Central Missouri. 

Picked fifth through tenth were Fort Hays State, Northeastern State, Pittsburg State, Northwest Missouri, Lindenwood, and Washburn.

The Lions are 11th coming in sixth points ahead of 12^th place pick Nebraska-Kearney. Southwest Baptist is picked to finish in 13^th place with Lincoln selected to finish 14^th overall.
 
Most teams will take to the field starting Feb. 6 with league play scheduled for a March 6-7 kickoff

 
2015 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Emporia State (12)               168
2. Central Oklahoma (2)           156
3. Missouri Western                  147
4. Central Missouri                    119
5. Fort Hays State                     113
6. Northeastern State                101
7. Pittsburg State                      100
8. Northwest Missouri                 94
9. Lindenwood                            79
10. Washburn                             67
11. Missouri Southern                 46
12. Nebraska-Kearney                40
13. Southwest Baptist                 31
14. Lincoln                                  13

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Preview- MSSU men to play Southwest Baptist Thursday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will look to make it four wins in a row when the Lions travel to Bolivar to take on Southwest Baptist Thursday night. Tip off from Meyer Sports Center is slated for 7:30 pm.   

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (13-6, 7-3 MIAA) @ Southwest Baptist (9-11, 4-7 MIAA) 

Date: Thursday, Jan 29, 2015
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Bolivar, Mo.
Site: Meyer Sports Center (2,925)
Series Record: Lions lead series 50-41
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (13-6 overall/at MSSU). Clark Sheehy (163-88 overall/9-11 at SBU)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: FM 99.7 KBTN - Mike McClure - Play-by-play
Internet Audio: www.mssulions.com
Webcast: www.mssulions.com
Live Stats: www.mssulions.com
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

A look at the coaches: Jeff Boschee, MSSU - Jeff Boschee is in his first season as the head coach of the Missouri Southern basketball program after serving four seasons as an assistant and associate head coach. He was named the head coach of the Lions on July 1, 2014.  Since Boschee arrived at Southern, the Lions have gone 99-40, made four consecutive MIAA tournaments and had trips to three of the last four NCAA Division II postseason tournaments, while claiming the 2010-11 MIAA regular season championship, and the 2013-14 post-season tournament championship. The 2010-11 team set the MIAA record for conference wins in a season with 19. Under Boschee's leadership, former Lion Skyler Bowlin was the MIAA's Player and Defender of the Year in 2011. He was a first-team All-MIAA, All-Region and All-American selection, being named to three different All-America teams. He was also the Region Player of the Year and a finalist for the National Player of the Year. Bowlin signed a professional contract to play basketball in the German Pro League after completing his eligibility and has since moved on to playing in Denmark.

Clark Sheehy will begin his first season on the Bearcat bench after being introduced as the 13th head men's basketball coach at Southwest Baptist University on May 20, 2014. Sheehy comes to Southwest Baptist after spending the previous seven seasons as the head men's basketball coach at John Brown University. Sheehy holds a career coaching record of 182-106 (.632) across nine seasons as head coach.  Sheehy has coached six different All-Americans, while also coaching over 20 athletes that have moved on to play professional basketball While at JBU, Sheehy compiled a 154-77 record (.667), including leading the Golden Eagles to their first ever Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament Championship in 2010 and their first regular season SAC Championship in 2013.

The Series - Southern leads the series 50-41 and has won seven of the last eight against SBU after dropping the previous nine games in a row against the Bearcats. This has been a series of streaks as from the 1976 season through the 1984-85 season, the series saw the two teams have streaks of six, seven then six again. SBU's largest win streak was nine, while the Lions' largest streak is nine done from the 98-99 season through the 2001-02 season. Southern is 31-16 at home, while 18-25 on the road and 1-0 in neutral site games. The 91 games played against SBU is the second-most games played against one school following the 93 vs. PSU.

Defending Champs - The Lions won the 2014 MIAA Basketball Tournament in Kansas City last year, defeating Nebraska-Kearney in the opener. The Lions beat Northwest Missouri in game two and won against Central Oklahoma in the Tournament Championship.    

Player of the Week - Taevaunn Prince was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Player of the Week this week. Prince averaged 22 points and 10.5 rebounds in helping the Lions to wins over Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western.   

Record Breakers - Junior shooting guard Austin Wright set two records for the Lions last year, breaking the single-season three point percentage mark (.493) and he also is the current career-leader in that category (.463). 

Record Breakers II - Wright is climbing the charts in career three pointers made at MSSU. He moved into the top five last week and currently sits in fourth at 152 career treys. He needs 73 to break Skyler Bowlin's record of 224.   

Record Breakers III - Wright broke the MSSU single-game three point record against Northeastern State when the junior hit nine as part of 28 points in the Lions' 90-54 win. 

Three Point Streak - The Lions failed to make a three-pointer at Arkansas Tech in their match-up in 2012-13. It was the first time in 403 games that Southern had failed to hit a three pointer, dating back to Jan. 20, 1999 against Missouri S&T. The Lions have had a three in 72-straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13. 

Stingy Defense -  The Lions have held their opponents to 71 points or under in ten of their last 14 games. Against Benedictine, Southern held the Ravens to 48 points, nearly 20 points below the season average for the No. 4 ranked team in the NAIA. The total is the lowest opponent output since the Lions held Central Bible to 39 points in 2012.   

Double-Double This - Taevaunn Prince has six double-double's this season. Against Emporia State, both Prince and Lane Barlow had a double-double each. 

Big Game Tae - In the last ten games, Taevaunn Prince is averaging 18.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, while shooting 48% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line.  

Heatin Up - Over the last ten games, the Lions have gone 8-2. In that time, they're out scoring their opponents by a margin of 13.3, while shooting 45 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 78 percent from the free throw line. They are also out rebounding their opponents by a margin of 4.7 and making 7.6 3's per game.

Perfect When - The Lions are perfect this year when they do the following things: score 90+ (4-0), have more assists (8-0) and out shoot the opponent (11-0).

NCAA Stat Leaders - The Lions, as a team, rank 11th nationally in free throw attempts, while ranking 6th in free throws made. They rank 21st in free throw percentage and 22nd in three point defense. Individually, Austin Wright ranks 8th nationally in three point percentage, while ranking 22nd in total threes and 49th in threes/game. Greg Renfroe ranks 22nd in total blocks and 28th in blocks per game, while Taevaun Prince ranks 20th in free throws made and 28th in free throw attempts.         

MIAA Stat Leaders - As a team, the Lions lead the MIAA in free throw percentage, free throws made, free throws attempted and three point defense. The team ranks second in defensive rebounds, while ranking third in offensive rebounds and scoring offense. Individually, Renfroe leads the league in total blocks and blocks per game, while Prince leads the league in free throws made and attempted. Austin Wright leads the league in three point percentage, while ranking second in both total threes and threes/game.

Up Next - Southern will be back in action this weekend when the Lions play host to Central Missouri at 3:30 pm on Jan. 31.

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White wins 600, as MSSU women's track competes

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's track and field team competed at the 2014 UCM Invite Friday night inside the Multipurpose Building.

Amber White picked up the only event win of the day for the Lions as the junior won the 600 yard run. She finished the race in a time of 1:27.33. Kaylee Morgan finished seventh in the event in a time of 1:35.17.

Morgan placed third in the long jump in a distance of 17-05.50. Allie Heckemeyer was fifth in the event, whileShelby Newell was 7th, Emily Paullus was 10th, Traci Walker placed 11th and Sierra Barrett was 13th.

Shelby Sutherland placed sixth in the high jump with a height of 5-02.50, while Heckemeyer was ninth, Kylee Hulsey was 11th and Morgan placed 13th.

Victoria Foley was fourth in the weight throw with a provisional distance of 53-08.50, while Halee Cashioo, Allie Webb and Katie Skelton placed 13th, 14th and 16th, respectively.

Skelton was 11th in the shot put, while Cashio, Morgan and Heckemeyer placed 15th, 18th and 20th. Newell placed fourth in the triple jump leaping to a distance of 37-01.75, while White was fifth, Heckemeyer 7th and Barrett 14th.

Destiny Akannam and Hannah McMeen placed 11th and 12th in the 400m dash, while Heckemeyer was sixth in the 800m. Melanie Bower was sixth in the 200m dash with a time of 27:11, while Walker placed 12th andRonise Miller finished 13th.

In one of the rare team scored events of the regular season, the Lions, who had a small team competing, placed sixth with 30.50 points.

The Lions will be back in action next weekend, competing in the Jayhawk Classic at the University of Kansas on Friday, Jan. 30.

Boure wins triple jump as MSSU track competes at UCM Invite

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern senior jumper Darion Boure won the triple jump as the men's track and field team competed at the 2014 UCM Invite inside the Multipurpose Building Friday.

Boure hit a provisional distance of 47-07 to win the event. Freshman Kennan Harrison placed second with a provisional of his own, jumping 47-05.25.

Bryan Burns placed second in the weight throw with a provisional distance of 57-09.75. Nicklas Polizzi placed 13th in the event. Burns was third in the shot put with a distance of 47-06.25, while Tyler Hovey was fifth in a distance of 46-11.75.

Thomas Hawkins placed sixth in the 400m dash, finishing in a time of 51.25, while Tavion Jones was ninth andSam Kohrs placed 10th. Erron Holley was fourth in the 200m dash in a time of 22.71, while Desmond Williamsplaced ninth.

Jacob Rowe was fourth in the long jump in a distance of 22-01.00, while Williams placed fifth with a distance of 21-11.00. Harrison placed 12th, Boure was 13th and Kohrs placed 14th.

Morgan Hold was fourth in the pole vault in a height of 15-01, while Zach Wuest placed seventh. The mile relay team of Kohrs, Hawkins, Williams and Jones placed seventh in a time of 3:31.00.

In one of the rare team scored events of the regular season, the Lions placed fourth with 49 points. Southern will be back in action next Friday when the Lions travel to the University of Kansas to compete in the Jayhawk Invitational.

MSSU women fall to Northwest Missouri 61-56

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Women (12-5, 6-4 MIAA) dropped a MIAA game at Missouri Western (8-8, 3-7 MIAA) 61-56 Saturday afternoon at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Both teams shot well below their season average from three point range as Western held the Lions to 5.9 percent, 1-for-17 from downtown.

Western raced off to a fast start scoring the first five points of the game before a layup from Camila Lacerdawould get the Lions going and Jolee Sharp would cut the Western lead to one at 5-4. Western answered with a 7-0 run of their own before the Lions would cut the eight point lead down to two four times before Shawnee Phillips would tie the game at 18-18 on a layup with 5:52 left in the half. Following a pair of free throws from LaQuinta Jefferson Western would lead by five, 26-21, before Lacerda connected on Southern's only three of the game and a pair of charities from Phillips would send the game into the locker room tied at 26-26.

In the second half Southern raced out to a four point lead, their largest of the game, as a three point play by Nic Hartzog and a free throw from Sharese Jones gave the Lions a 32-28 lead just under 18 minutes to play. A 7-2 run by Western would give them the lead back at the 16:02 mark on a lay up form Chelsea Dewey. From there Western and the Lions would change the lead six times before a 12-4 Western run would give the Griffons their largest lead of the second half of seven points, 53-46, with 6:13 to go. The Lions would tie the game at 56-56 with 2:01 left as Jones sank a lay up from Lacerda. Western would go on a 5-0 run to close the game out and come away with the 61-56 win over the Lions.

Jones led all players with 18 points and nine rebounds. Lacerda added nine points and three assists for Southern, while Hartzog added eight points.

Southern will be back on the road next Thursday as they travel to Bolivar, Missouri to take on Southwest Baptist in a 5:30 pm tilt.

Second half run lifts MSSU men to 77-65 win over NWMS

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team opened the second half on a 27-5 run and came-from-behind to defeat Missouri Western 77-65 today in St. Joseph. 

Southern (13-6, 7-3 MIAA) now moves into a tie for second place with Nebraska-Kearney, just one game behind first-place Lindenwood for the MIAA lead. 

Taevaunn Prince led the Lions with 18 points and eight rebounds. Lane Barlow scored 13, while dishing out five assists. Austin Wright went 4-6 from long range for 12 points, while Greg Renfroe finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

Western (8-9, 4-6 MIAA) was led by Cortez Colbert as he scored 18 points, while Kevin Thomas added nine rebounds. 

A Cameron Cornelius layup with 16:50 left in the frist half gave the Lions an 8-1 lead early on. Western, however, answered with an 11-4 run to tie the game at 12 with 12:53 left in the half. Both teams traded leads until a three from the Griffons put Western up 21-15 with 9:30 to go in the half. The Lions cut the lead to two on two separate occasions, but went into the locker room down 41-35. 

The second half, however, was a different story. Southern started the half on a 17-0 run to go up 52-41 and led 55-43 after Wright's third three pointer of the half rolled in with 14:29 left. The Lions were 6-9 from the field during that stretch to start the half. A three from Charlie Brown pushed the Southern lead to 17 (69-52) with 4:51 left to play in the game. The Griffons never got closer than 12 the rest of the game. 

The Lions shot 43 percent in the game and limited the Griffons to just 28 percent in the second half. 

Southern will be back in action on Thursday evening when the Lions travel to Bolivar to take on Southwest Baptist. Tip off is slated for 7:30 pm. 

Preview- MSSU women return to action at St. Joseph

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Game Information
Date: Saturday January 24, 2015
Tip-Off: 1:30 pm
Location: St. Joseph, Mo.
Site: MWSU Fieldhouse
Series Record:  MWSU leads, 48-31 (3 wins vacated)

Coaches
MWSU: Rob Edmisson, 33-36 (3rd Season, MWSU); 245-67 (10th Season Overall)
MSSU: Ronda Hubbard, 31-12 (2nd Season)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: KBTN 99.7 FM, Mike McClure play-by-play
Internet Audio: mssulions.com
Webcast: mssulions.com
Live Stats: mssulions.com
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @MOSO_Wmns_Bball

MIAA Team Rankings - The Lions ranked 1st in the MIAA in free throw percentage (.786), rebounding defense (29.7 rpg), 2nd in 3-pt FG percentage (.378), 3rd in reboundin margin (+7.7 rpg), scoring defense (55.9 ppg), 3-point FGs made (6.5 per game), 5th in scoring margin (+14.1 ppg), FG percentage (.440), steals, (8.5 spg),  6th in assists (14.2 apg), and 7th in FG percentage defense (.383).

MIAA Individual Ranks - Sharese Jones is 8th in the MIAA in scoring with 14.9 ppg, 6th in FG percentage as she is shooting 54.4% from the field hitting 80-147, 7th in rebounding with 7.1 rpg, 5th in free throw percentage shooting 83.1% (54-65).
Nic Hartzog is 16th in the league in scoring with 12.9 ppg, 2nd in free throw percentage shooting 86.3%, 63-73 from the line, 3rd in steals with 2.2 spg, and 10th in field goal percentage at 50.8% (60-118).
Lex Fitzpatrick is 9th in the MIAA with 3.4 assists per game. 

National Stat Leaders - The Lions are 8th in NCAA D2 in free throw percentage shooting 77.7% as a team and are 12th in scoring defense allowing just 56.1 ppg.  The Lions are also 20th in three point field goal percentage shooting 37.4 percent (104-278), 25th in scoring margin with a +13.3 ppg, and 27th in rebounding margin +7.2 rpg. Sharese Jones is 36th in all of NCAA D2 in field-goal percentage shooting 53.9% from the floor and Nic Hartzog is 49th in free throw percentage shooting 86.1 % .

Three Point Streak - The Lions have made a three pointer in 425 consecutive games. The last time Southern did not make a shot from downtown was in a 68-53 loss to Southern Arkansas on Nov. 20, 1999.

Defensive effort - The Lions have not allowed 100 points to an opponent since Emporia State defeated Southern 102-60 on Feb. 12, 2000. That is 405 straight games without allowing 100+ points.

Leading at the half - The Lions have led the game at the half in 11 of 16 games this season and are 10-1. Southern is 21-5 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

Outshoot the Opponents - Southern has out-shot their opponents in nine out of 16 games this season and are 24-4 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

Dropping Dimes - The Lions dropped more dimes than their opponents in 12 out of 16 games this season and are 28-5 when that happens all time under Coach Hubbard. The Lions set a new team record for assists in a game with 33 assists on 39 made buckets against Central Christian on November 25, 2014.

Glass Cleaners - The Lions, as a team out rebounded 11 of their 16 opponents this season and are 27-6 when that happens under Coach Hubbard.

Preview- MSSU men to play Missouri Western Saturday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will look to continue their winning ways as the Lions travel to St. Joseph Saturday to take on Missouri Western. Tip off from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 3:30 pm.  

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (12-6, 6-3 MIAA) @ Missouri Western (8-8, 4-5 MIAA) 

Date: Saturday, Jan 24, 2015
Tip-Off: 3:30 pm
Location: St. Joseph, Mo.
Site: MWSU Fieldhouse (3,750)
Series Record: Series tied at 43-43
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (12-6 overall/at MSSU). Brett Weibert (147-113 overall/18-26 at MWSU)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: FM 99.7 KBTN - Mike McClure - Play-by-play
Internet Audio: www.mssulions.com
Webcast: www.mssulions.com
Live Stats: www.mssulions.com
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

A look at the coaches: Jeff Boschee, MSSU - Jeff Boschee is in his first season as the head coach of the Missouri Southern basketball program after serving four seasons as an assistant and associate head coach. He was named the head coach of the Lions on July 1, 2014.  Since Boschee arrived at Southern, the Lions have gone 98-40, made four consecutive MIAA tournaments and had trips to three of the last four NCAA Division II postseason tournaments, while claiming the 2010-11 MIAA regular season championship, and the 2013-14 post-season tournament championship. The 2010-11 team set the MIAA record for conference wins in a season with 19. Under Boschee's leadership, former Lion Skyler Bowlin was the MIAA's Player and Defender of the Year in 2011. He was a first-team All-MIAA, All-Region and All-American selection, being named to three different All-America teams. He was also the Region Player of the Year and a finalist for the National Player of the Year. Bowlin signed a professional contract to play basketball in the German Pro League after completing his eligibility and has since moved on to playing in Denmark.

Brett Weiberg enters his second season  as the Griffons head coach after being named the fourth since 1969 in 2013. Weiberg came to Missouri Western from Northern Oklahoma College where he has been the head coach since 2006 and replaces Hall of Fame coach Tom Smith, who retired in 2013 after 25 years at the helm. In his first season Weiberg duided the Griffons to the MIAA Tournament and coached Ryan Devers to an honorable mention All-MIAA honor. Weiberg, compiled 129 career victories in seven seasons, led Northern Oklahoma to a 27-4 overall record and the OCAC conference regular season championship in the 2012-2013 campaign. 

The Series - The series between Missouri Western and Missouri Southern is tied at 43 games each. The, Lions, however have won the last 11 out of 14 match-ups. Southern is 33-11 at home, but just 10-32 in St. Joseph. Southern defeated Western in the final regular season game of 2007 in a winner take all game to gain a spot in the MIAA Tournament. Western dominated the series from 1988-1999 when the Griffons won 16-of-21 games. The Lions, however, have won 19 of the last 30 games. The 86 games played against Western is the third-most the Lions have played against a single school, behind Pittsburg State (93) and Southwest Baptist (90). 

Defending Champs - The Lions won the 2014 MIAA Basketball Tournament in Kansas City last year, defeating Nebraska-Kearney in the opener. The Lions beat Northwest Missouri in game two and won against Central Oklahoma in the Tournament Championship.    

Regional Appearance - The Lions made the program's fifth-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament last season when the team went to Mankato, Minn. and lost to eventual National Champion Central Missouri in the round of 32. The Lions have been to the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons.    

Record Breakers - Junior shooting guard Austin Wright set two records for the Lions last year, breaking the single-season three point percentage mark (.493) and he also is the current career-leader in that category (.460). 

Record Breakers II - Wright is climbing the charts in career three pointers made at MSSU. He moved into the top five last week and currently sits in fourth at 148 career treys. He needs 77 to break Skyler Bowlin's record of 224.   

Record Breakers III - Wright broke the MSSU single-game three point record against Northeastern State when the junior hit nine as part of 28 points in the Lions' 90-54 win. 

Three Point Streak - The Lions failed to make a three-pointer at Arkansas Tech in their match-up in 2012-13. It was the first time in 403 games that Southern had failed to hit a three pointer, dating back to Jan. 20, 1999 against Missouri S&T. The Lions have had a three in 71-straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13. 

Stingy Defense -  The Lions have held their opponents to 71 points or under in nine of their last 13 games. Against Benedictine, Southern held the Ravens to 48 points, nearly 20 points below the season average for the No. 4 ranked team in the NAIA. The total is the lowest opponent output since the Lions held Central Bible to 39 points in 2012.   

Double-Double This - Taevaunn Prince has six double-double's this season. Against Emporia State, both Prince and Lane Barlow had a double-double each. 

Big Game Tae - In the last nine games, Taevaunn Prince is averaging 18.7 points and 10.0 rebounds, while shooting 47% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line.

Heatin Up - Over the last nine games, the Lions have gone 7-2. In that time, they're out scoring their opponents by a margin of 13.4, while shooting 46 percent from the field, 38 percent from long range and 77 percent from the free throw line. They are also out rebounding their opponents by a margin of 5.3 and making 7.6 3's per game.

Perfect When - The Lions are perfect this year when they do the following things: score 90+ (4-0), have more assists (7-0) and out shoot the opponent (10-0).

NCAA Stat Leaders - The Lions, as a team, rank 12th nationally in free throw attempts, while ranking 8th in made free throws. They rank 32nd in free throw percentage and three point defense. Individually, Austin Wright ranks 12th in three point percentage and 27th in three's per game. Greg Renfroe ranks 32nd in total blocks and 39th in blocks per game, while Taevaunn Prince ranks 27th in made free-throws and 41st in free throw attempts.

MIAA Stat Leaders - The Lions, as a team, lead the MIAA in free throws made and three point defense. The team ranks second in free throw attempts, while ranking third in offensive rebounds and offense, fourth in blocks per game and field goal defense. Individually, Wright leads the league in three point shooting, while ranking second in three's/game. Prince ranks second in made free throws, while Renfroe ranks second in both total blocks and blocks per game. 

Up Next - Southern will be back in action on Jan. 29 when the Lions travel to Bolivar to take on Southwest Baptist. Tip off is slated for 7:30 pm. 

WMBH to carry slate of MSSU baseball games

(From MSSU Lions Athletics News)

The Missouri Southern department of athletics is proud to announce a limited number of MSSU baseball games this year will be carried live on AM 1560 WMBH in Joplin.

A minimum of ten regular-season games will be broadcasted with options for postseason games, as well. Along with the over-the-air broadcast, those selected games will be streamed live via www.mssulions.com.

MSSU Athletic Media Relations Director Justin Maskus, alongside Ron Fauss and Rob Forest will bring the action to you from the new MSSU Baseball Complex.

The broadcasts start on February 20 with the series against Pittsburg State University. Game one of the Feb. 21 double-header against the Gorillas will be broadcasted, as well as the February 22 game.

The series against Lindenwood on March 6, 7 and 8, as well as the series against Washburn on April 2, 3 and 4 and the game against Arkansas-Fort Smith on April 14 are all scheduled to air this season.

Each game will include a 15-minute pre-game show and full post-game coverage.

The complete list of games to be broadcasted is listed below.

For more information or to inquire about advertising opportunities, please contact Ron Fauss at 573-303-4455 or at ronfauss@mac.com.Feb. 20 – Pittsburg State 1 pm Feb. 21 – Pittsburg State 12 pm (Game one only) Feb. 22 – Pittsburg State 1 pm Mar. 6 – Lindenwood 3 pm Mar. 7 – Lindenwood 1 pm (Game one only) Mar. 8 – Lindenwood 12 pm Apr. 2 – Washburn 6 pm Apr. 3 – Washburn 1 pm (Game one only) Apr. 4 – Washburn 12 pm Apr. 14 – Ark-Fort Smith 1 pm