MSSU men to open MIAA play against Central Oklahoma

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will open up MIAA play this Thursday evening when the Lions play host to Central Oklahoma. Tip off fromRobert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 7:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (3-3, 0-0 MIAA) vs. Central Oklahoma (4-2, 0-0 MIAA)

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo. 
Site: Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center (3,240)
Series Record: Southern leads series 5-4
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (23-14 overall/at MSSU). Tom Hankins (4-2 at UCO/Overall)

Media Coverage

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

The Series

Southern holds a slim 5-4 advantage in this relatively short series between the two teams. The first time the two teams played was in 1973 with Central Oklahoma taking that game in Joplin. The two teams didn't paly again until 1991, then played twice more until 2013 when UCO joined the MIAA. Southern has won the past three games in a row. The Lions are 2-2 at home, 1-2 on the road and 2-0 in neutral site games.

Taevaunn Amongst The Nation's Best

Taevaunn Prince ranks third nationally in defensive rebounds per game, while ranking fourth in total rebounds, rebounds per game and free throws attempted. He ranks fifth in free throws made, while ranking 14th in double-doubles, 23rd in points per game, and 42nd in total field goals.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Taevaunn Prince isn't the only Lion that is amongst the National Leaders. Austin Wright ranks 51st in three point field goals attempted, while also ranking 55th in minutes played.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions rank 45th nationally in free throws made, while ranking 51st in free throws attempted. They rank 52nd in three point percentage and 64th in defensive rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Leaders:

Prince leads the MIAA in double-double's, free throw attempts, free throws made, and total rebounds. He ranks second in total field goals, points and rebounds per game, as well as defensive rebounds per game. Austin Wrightleads the league in total minutes, while ranking second in minutes per game and fourth in three point attempts.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions lead the MIAA in free throws made, while ranking second in free throw attempts, three point defense and total rebounds. The team ranks third in three point shooting, fourth in total three pointers made and fifth in defensive rebounds and three point attempts.

Record Breakers

Senior shooting guard Austin Wright set two records for the Lions last year, including the single-season three point record (79) and the single game three-point record (9). He also owns the single-season three point percentage mark (.493) and is also the current career-leader in that category (.451).

Record Breakers II

Wright is climbing the charts in career three pointers made at MSSU. He moved into the top five last year and currently sits in third at 192 career treys, after passing Keith Allen this past weekend. He needs 33 to break Skyler Bowlin's record of 224.

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 89-straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13.

Taevaunn's On Fire

Taevaunn Prince is averaging 23.7 and 12.2 rebounds this season. He has led the Lions in rebounding every game but one, and in points in five of six.

20-Point Man

Taevaunn Prince has scored 20 points or more in every game this season.

MIAA Player Of The Week

Taevaunn Prince was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Player of the Week last week. He averaged 26.5 points and 13 rebounds last week, helping the Lions to a 2-0 week.

Rebound This

Taevaunn Prince has set his career-high in rebounds in two separate games this year, tying the mark of 17 in two of the four games.

Season-Ending Injury

Southern swing man LJ Ross will sit out the 2015-16 season after pre-season knee surgery revealed more damage than thought.

Go Get Em' Charlie Brown

Sophomore Charlie Brown had a career-high 27 points in a win over St. Cloud State to start the season.

First Time Firsts

The Lions had a trip of firsts in a loss at Rockhurst last week. The team, for the first time this season, trailed at halftime, while also not managing to shoot more and make more free throws than their opponents.

Lions In The D2 Basketball Writers Regional Poll

The Missouri Southern men's basketball program is ranked 10th in the US Basketball Writers Association week two Central Region Poll. Central Missouri is ranked second, while Fort Hays is fourth and Pittsburg State is seventh.

Up Next

Southern will continue MIAA play by playing host to Northeastern State this Saturday. Tip off is slated for 3:00 pm from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.