Second half run lifts MSSU to 71-58 win over John Brown University

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 18th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team utilized a 13-5 second-half run to take out visiting John Brown University 71-58 tonight inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (9-2) out scored John Brown 43-26 in the second half after trailing by four at the half. The Lions were led by Cam Martin with 19 points and eight rebounds on the night. Braelon Walker and Elyjah Clark had 15 points each as Walker went 4-of-7 from the field (all three pointers).

John Brown (11-1) was led by 15 points from Luke Harper.

Southern jumped out to an 8-2 lead after three's from Parker Jennings and Walker, as well as a layup from Clark with 15:39 left in the first half. From there, JBU went on a 14-4 run and led 16-12 with eight minutes to go in the half.

A pair of free throws from JBU with a little more than five minutes to go in the half extended the Golden Eagles' lead to five (20-15), but a pair of freebies from Martin tied the score at 20 a minute later. JBU, however, closed the half on a 12-8 run to lead 32-28 at the break.

A three from Clark with 17:13 left in the 2nd half tied the game at 34 and a steal, followed by a breakaway layup from Lambert, gave the Lions a 36-34 lead with 16:30 to go. A three from Clark with 14:39 left gave the Lions a 39-38 lead and after JBU had tied it at 41, Southern went on an 8-0 lead capped by a dunk from Stan Scott and a freebie from Christian Bundy to lead 49-41 with 10:35 left in the game.

A three from Jennings with 9:20 left on the clock pushed the lead to nine (52-43), but a 7-2 run from JBU got the Eagles to within four (54-50) with seven minutes to go. A three from Walker with 5:14 left pushed the Lions' lead to nine (59-50), while another three from Walker made the score 63-54 with 2:38 on the clock.

A tip in from Lambert gave the Lions a 12-point lead (68-56) with 1:33 and a three from Walker proved to be the final points with 33 seconds to go.

Southern out rebounded JBU 33-26 and shot 50 percent from the field, including a 61 percent clip in the second half. The Lions held JBU to 33 percent in the second half and had a 14-4 advantage in fast-break points.

The Lions will be back in action on January 4 as Southern gets back into MIAA play with a road contest at Fort Hays State. Tip off is slated for 4 pm.

MSSU men play host to John Brown University Tuesday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 11th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team wrap up the 2019 calender with a non-conference matchup against John Brown University Tuesday night. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 5:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #11 Missouri Southern (8-2, 2-0 MIAA) vs. John Brown (11-1, 2-0 SAC)
Date: Dec. 31, 2019
Tip-Off: 5:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo. -- Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: Southern leads 12-3
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (109-55 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Jason Beschta (157-111 overall/94-75 at JBU - 10th season

The Series

Missouri Southern holds a 12-3 advantage in the overall series between the two schools. The Lions won the first seven games in the match up that dates back to the first season Southern played basketball. The Lions have averaged an 12.8 point margin of victory in their wins and JBU has a 3.3 point margin in its three wins.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, lead the MIAA in assists, rebound margin, scoring and total rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in free throw attempts and made, while ranking second in scoring, total field goals, total points and field goal percentage. Reggie Tharp is second in assist to turnover ratio.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, rank rank 11th in both rebound margin and scoring margin, while ranking 14th in scoring, 15th in assist to turnover ratio, 18th in fewest turnovers per game and fewest turnovers, 21st in both fewest fouls and fewest fouls per game, 24th in field goal percentage, total rebounds, and three pointers per game, 25th in assists per game, 27th in defensive rebounds and 31st in turnover margin.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin is 19th in scoring, while ranking 31st in free throw attempts, 39th in free throws made, and 44th in both total field goals and total points. Reggie Tharp ranks 21st in assist to turnover ratio.

coring record against Washburn in 2019 as he finished with 46 points, eight off the record of 54.

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

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 11 in the NABC poll this week and 14th in the D2 SID's Poll. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 68 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Up Next

The Lions will get back into MIAA play as Southern travels to Fort Hays State on January 4. Tipoff from Hays is slated for 4 pm.

MODOT encourages Chiefs fans to use detours to reach Arrowhead Stadium

(From MODOT)

MoDOT Kansas City and the Kansas City Chiefs have worked together to make traffic during game days at Arrowhead Stadium as safe and efficient as possible during the construction of the new I-435 and I-70 interchange.

Several ramps within the interchange are CLOSED and may impact drivers going to or near Arrowhead Stadium. In order to accommodate the immense traffic volumes to and from the stadium, MoDOT encourages fans to utilize the detours that will be in place on game days only at Arrowhead Stadium during this NFL season. 

Fans should note that after the games, ramps from Manchester Trafficway to I-70 will be open. The detours currently in place for travelers needing to go from westbound I-70 to southbound I-435 and those needing to go from eastbound I-70 to northbound I-435 will be returned to the current configuration all other days. 

For an interactive map of these detours to help you scout your route, click here. The department strongly encourages drivers headed to Arrowhead Stadium to plan ahead, know your route and gate, and LEAVE EARLY. The next home game is Sunday, Dec. 29, at noon. 

For a full Kansas City Chiefs schedule, click here.

MoDOT reminds motorists that the following ramps at the I-435 and I-70 interchange are CLOSED:

The westbound I-70 ramp to I-435 south closed in March 2019 and will re-open in winter 2020.
The eastbound I-70 ramp to I-435 north closed in March 2019 and will re-open in winter 2020.
The northbound I-435 ramp to I-70 west closed in Sept. 2019 and will re-open in spring 2020.
The southbound I-435 ramp to I-70 east closed in Sept. 2019 and will re-open in spring 2020.

Drivers headed to Arrowhead Stadium on home game days are encouraged to utilize the following routes:

Incoming Visitors from Southbound I-435:
THERE WILL BE DETOURS:
For gates 3 and 4, motorists should take U.S. Highway 40 to Blue Ridge Cutoff at exit 63A.
For gates 5 and 6, motorists should take southbound I-435 to westbound I-70. Exit at Manchester Trafficway (exit 7B) and then proceed south on Manchester Trafficway to Raytown Rd./Stadium Dr.
Incoming Visitors from Northbound I-435:
There will be no new detours in place.
For gates 3 and 4, visitors should take northbound I-435 to eastbound I-70 and use Blue Ridge Cutoff at exit 9.
For gates 5 and 6, visitors should use Stadium Drive/Raytown Rd. at exit 63C.
Incoming Visitors from Westbound I-70:
There will be no new detours in place.
For gates 3 and 4, visitors should use Blue Ridge Cutoff at exit 9.
For gates 5 and 6, visitors should use Manchester Trafficway at exit 7B.
Incoming Visitors from Eastbound I-70:
There will be no new detours in place.
For gates 3 and 4, visitors should use Blue Ridge Cutoff at exit 9.
For gates 5 and 6, visitors should use Manchester Trafficway at exit 7B.

For drivers who are NOT attending the game, but are traveling through the area, the following detours are recommended on game days:
Southbound I-435 to eastbound I-70:
Motorists will follow southbound I-435 and take the exit to westbound I-70. From there, motorists will need to proceed to U.S. Highway 40/31st (exit 7A) and loop back around to eastbound I-70.
Northbound I-435 to westbound I-70:
Motorists will follow northbound I-435 to 23rd Street (MO Route 78), turn left, and loop back to southbound I-435. From there, motorists will be able to exit to westbound I-70.
Westbound I-70 to southbound I-435:
Motorists will exit westbound I-70 at U.S. Highway 40/31st(exit 7A) and loop back around to eastbound I-70 and continue to southbound I-435.
Eastbound I-70 to northbound I-435:
Motorists will exit at U.S. Highway 40/31st St (exit 7A) and proceed along U.S. Highway 40 to access northbound I-435.

This project will have significant impacts on traffic for two full construction seasons. For more information about this project, visit our website. For potential impacts to traffic, please review KC Scout cameras at http://www.kcscout.net or consult our real-time traffic partner, WAZE.

Please remember that all work zones are NO PHONE zones. Buckle up. Phone down. Arrive Alive. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

Andy Reid talks about Chiefs' recent solid play and Sunday's win over Bears

The Kansas City Chiefs have been on a roll lately, including the 26-3 win over the Chicago Bears Sunday.

In the accompanying Kansas City Star video, Coach Andy Reid talks about how well the team has been playing the last several weeks.

MSSU men defeat Arkansas Tech 105-88

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 11th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team shot 56 percent from the field and the Lions defeated visiting Arkansas Tech 105-88 tonight inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (8-2) was led by 26 points from Cam Martin as he went 8-of-12 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. Reggie Tharp had 21 points and six assists, going 8-of-12 from the field. Elyjah Clark scored 19 and added ten rebounds, while Kinzer Lambert added 12 points. Winston Dessesow scored ten points and added five rebounds off the bench.

Arkansas Tech (6-4) had four score in double-figures, led by 20 points and five boards from Ke'lyn Adams off the bench.

A three-point play from Tharp with 17:17 left in the first half gave the Lions a 12-4 lead and a three from Clark with just more than 16 on the clock put the score at 15-6, Lions. A put-back from Lambert with 15:06 on the clock gave Southern a 19-8 lead and forced a Wonder Boys' timeout.

A three from Tharp with 13:27 left on the clock pushed the Lions' lead to 24-10 and a three-point play from Tharp with a steal the next trip down made the score 27-10 with 13:12 to go. A three from Lambert off an assist from Tharp made the Southern lead 39-20 with a little more than nine minutes to go. A pair of freebies from Martin with a minute to go made the score 61-40 and the Wonder Boys hit a late bucket to make the halftime score 61-42.

A layup from Tharp with 17:38 left kept the Southern lead 20 (67-47), and a layup from Clark with 14:29 made the score 76-56. A three from Clark with 10:49 left gave the Lions an 86-64 lead, while a layup from Martin off an assist from Tharp put the Lions' lead at 90-67.

A three from Dessesow with 7:50 left in the half pushed the lead to 24 (94-70), while an alley-oop dunk from Stan Scott off an assist from Braelon Walker made it 96-70 and forced an Arkansas Tech timeout.

A baseline jumper from Clark with 1:55 left in the game gave the Lions a 100-82 lead.

The Lions shot 56 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free throw line. Southern had a 54-36 advantage in the paint, while scoring 27 points off of 18 forced turnovers.

Southern will be back in action on New Year's Eve when the Lions play host to John Brown. Tip off from Robert Corn Court is slated for 5:30 pm.

MSSU men to play host to Arkansas Tech today

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 11th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will continue its non-conference slate as the Lions will play host to Arkansas Tech today. Tip off from Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 1 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #11 Missouri Southern (7-2, 2-0 MIAA) vs. Arkansas Tech (6-3, 2-2 GAC)
Date: Dec. 21, 2019
Tip-Off: 1 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo. -- Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: Southern leads 17-9
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (108-55 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Chad Kline (90-66 at Arkansas Tech/ overall - 6th season)

The Series

Southern is 17-9 overall against Arkansas Tech. The two teams hooked up nearly every year in the early to mid 70's and then became a regular opponent in the Lions' Thanksgiving tournament from 1991-97.

The two teams have played three out of the last four years with the Lions taking two of the three meetings. Southern has won six out of the last nine games against the Wonder Boys, however ATU has won the last two in a row. The Lions are 15-3 at home, 2-5 in Russellville and 0-1 in neutral locations.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, lead the MIAA in Assist to turnover ratio, assist per game, defensive rebounds per game, fewest fouls, fewest personal fouls per game, rebound margin, scoring margin, scoring, three pointers per game and total rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in free throws made, while ranking second in defensive rebounds, free throw attempts, scoring total field goals made and total points. Reggie Tharp ranks second in assist to turnover ratio, while Kinzer Lambert is second in three point percentage.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, rank sixth in scoring margin, seventh in fewest fouls per game and eighth in rebound margin. The team ranks 15th in both assist to turnover ratio and fewest fouls, while ranking 17th in scoring defense, 18th in three pointers per game, 19th in fewest turnovers per game, 20th in total rebounds per game, 21st in scoring, 26th in fewest turnovers, 31st in field goal percentage 32nd in assists per game and 38th in turnover margin.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin is 27th in scoring, 47th in total field goals made and 48th in total points, while Reggie Tharp is 24th in assist to turnover ratio.

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

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 11 in the NABC poll this week and 14th in the D2 SID's Poll. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 68 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Up Next

The Lions will be back at home on December 31 as Southern plays host to John Brown. Tip off from inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 5:30 pm.

Joplin High School football team's story told in KODE/KSNF program

Joplin High School returned to the state championship football game for the first time in four decades, ending as runner-up.

In this half-hour program from KSNF and KODE, Coach Curtis Jasper and Eagle players recount the season, complete with game footage.

The interviews are conducted by KSNF Sports Director Bailey Harbin and KODE Sports Director Ethan Schmitt.

KSN-KODE program salutes Webb City High School football state championship

Webb City High School won its 15th state football championship a couple of weeks ago and is recognized in this half hour program from KSNF and KODE.

The program includes game footage and interviews with Coach John Roderique and players.

The interviews are conducted by KODE Sports Director Ethan Schmitt and KSNF Sports Director Bailey Harbin.

KSN/KODE program tells the story of state football champion Carthage Tigers

The first state football championship in Carthage High School history is celebrated in this half-hour KSN/KODE program, which includes highlights and description of each step on the road to the state title by Coach Jon Guidie, plus player interviews.

The Tigers defeated Jackson 27-21 in an overtime thriller December 7 at Faurot Field in Columbia for the state championship following a 20-17 win over Fort Zumwalt in the semi-final.

The interviews are conducted by KODE Sports Director Ethan Schmitt and KSNF Sports Director Bailey Harbin.

Stokes' big night lifts MSSU women over Oklahoma Wesleyan 86-62

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team got a monster game from Madi Stokes with career-highs in both points and rebounds as the Lions took out Oklahoma Wesleyan 86-62 inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Southern (3-7) got career-highs from Stokes with 22 points and 18 rebounds, while Chasidee Owens and Brooke Stauffer had 12 points each. Amber Buch and Destiny Cozart scored ten each. The 18 rebounds are the most in a game since Katie Gariss with 18 against Northwest Missouri in 2001 and is tied for seventh-most in a single-game in MSSU history.

OKWU (10-3) was led by Cierra Johnson with 12 points.

The Lady Eagles opened up a 10-7 lead with six minutes to go in the first quarter, but Southern answered on an 8-2 run to lead 15-12 after a free throw from Amber Buch with 3:14 to go. A layup from Stokes with 37 seconds on the clock gave the Lions a 19-16 lead and the Lions led 19-18 after one.

A layup from Chasidee Owens with 7:40 to go in the 2nd quarter gave the Lions a 24-19 lead and a three from Campbell as time was expiring gave the Lions a 38-29 lead going into the locker room.

Southern led by six three different times to start the third quarter, the last being 43-37 after a jumper from Stokes with 5:41 left in the game, and a three from Emily Kuntze with a minute to go in the quarter pushed the lead to 13 (54-41). A jumper from Stokes with 14 seconds left made the score 58-41 after three quarters.

An offensive rebound and a putback from Owens with 7:40 to go in the fourth quarter gave the Lions a 20-point advantage (66-46), and a jumper from Cozart with 5:44 left made the score 70-49.

A three from Cozart with 2:49 left pushed the lead to 24 (80-56), while a jumper from Marlee Lett made the score 86-60 with 45 seconds to go.

The Lions shot 45 percent from the field and out rebounded OKWU 54-32. The Lions had a 38-18 advantage in the paint and the Southern bench out scored the Lady Eagles 45-26.

Southern will be back in action after the first of the year as the Lions travel to Fort Hays on January 4.

Cardinals sign Korean lefthander Kwang Hyun Kim to two-year contract

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have signed left-handed pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim (pronounced kwong yunn kim) to a two-year contract for the upcoming 2020-21 seasons.

Kim, 31, is coming off a stellar season in the Korean Baseball Organization, posting marks of 17-6 with a 2.51 ERA (190.1 IP) over 31 appearances (30 starts) with 180 strikeouts.

He was voted as the 2019 Best Pitcher after leading the KBO in quality starts (24) while ranking second in wins and strikeouts; and third in ERA and innings pitched.

Expected to compete for a position in the Cardinals starting rotation in 2020, Kim is aiming to become the 15th South Korean-born pitcher to appear in the Major Leagues and the second for St. Louis, following right-hander Seung-hwan Oh (2016-17).

Kim’s Best Pitcher award compliments his 2008 KBO Most Valuable Player award during his 19 year-old season, when the left-hander was 16-4 with a 2.39 ERA (162.0 IP) and 150 strikeouts during his second-year as a professional. Winner of the 2008 Golden Glove award, Kim is also a former KBO league-leader in wins (2008, 2010), strikeouts (2008), win percentage (2008), ERA (2009), and innings pitched (2010).

The four-time KBO Champion with the SK Wyverns (2007, 2008, 2010, 2018) was also a member of the South Korean team that won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 

Kim helped South Korea qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and earned a Gold Medal for South Korea in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. As a youth, Kim was a member of the South Korea U-18 World Cup Champions during his 16-year old season in 2006, while earning the World Cup MVP honors.

Nicknamed “KK”, Kim will wear uniform no. 33 for the Cardinals.

(The accompanying video is from KMOV.)

Mahomes getting his groove back just ahead of playoffs

After injuries slowed him earlier this year, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked to be at the top of his game Sunday in the snow at Arrowhead Stadium as the Chiefs beat division rival Denver 23-3.

"I thought a did a better job in the pocket and you could see it helped out the whole line," Mahomes said during the post-game press conference.

The accompanying video is from KMBC.

MSSU women to entertain Oklahoma Wesleyan

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team will close out the calendar year tomorrow night as the Lions play host to Oklahoma Wesleyan. Tip off from inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 5:30 pm.

Game Information

Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Tip-Off: 5:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Robert Corn Court - Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series: First-Ever Meeting

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 107.9 and AM 1560; 88.7 FM KXMS
Audio: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WMBH
Webcast: https://www.themiaanetwork.com/mssulions
Live Stats: http://www.mssulions.com

Send It Back

One goal that coach Ressel set for the Lions heading into the season was to improve on defense. Thus far as opponents try to shoot from the paint, the Lions have been preventing many shots from even reaching the rim with 62 combined blocks and a 6.9 average per contest for second and third in the nation, respectively. Both marks also place them first among MIAA programs with Northwest Missouri State trailing by 22 (40) in second.

Front and Center

After observing as a freshman and figuring things out on the court as a sophomore, junior center Zoe Campbell from Caloundra, Australia has become a force in the front court. Campbell ranks fifth in total blocks (34) and fourth in blocks per game (3.78) while leading the MIAA in both categories. The Australia native currently stands second in all-time in career blocks (85) and set the school record for blocks in one game (7) at Harding. She is also sixth in the MIAA in rebounds per game (8.4).

Take the Long Way Home

Another dimension on the defense that MSSU wanted to sure up was around the perimeter and the team has certainly done its job by limiting opponents to 30.5-clip on 177 attempts from three-point range, which ranks eighth in the MIAA at three-point field-goal defense. The Lions defense is ranked sixth in total field-goal defense by holding opponents to 37.8 percent shooting from the field on 593 attempts.

Picking Up the Scent: Five Components on the Opponent
Oklahoma Wesleyan

Ranked second in Division II NAIA in 3-Pt Pct Defense (.223)
Return nine players, including two starters, both were All-KCAC recipients in junior guards Danae Goodwin and Amanda Hart (HM's) Hart leads the team in points per game (10.9).
Last year finished with a 18-12 record overall and a 14-10 record in the KCAC
Have been ranked as high as 25 in Divison II NAIA, after starting the season 7-0.
Currently on a three game winning streak picking up wins against McPherson (Kan.), Friends (Kan.), and St. Mary (Kan.).Last Time the Lions ...

Scored 100 points 12/30/17 (vs. Graceland, W 100-44)

Allowed 100 points 2/12/00 (vs. Emporia State, L 102-60)

Scored 100 points & lost 11/23/91 (vs. Arkansas-Monticello, L 104-100)

Lost at home 12/7/19 (vs. Washburn, L 83-76)

Played an overtime game 11/16/19 (at. Illinois Springfield, L 80-75)

Played multiple overtimes 12/7/17 (2 OT vs. Lincoln, W 94-90)

Had a player with 30 points 1/5/19 (at Lincoln, Chelsey Henry, 35 pts.)

Had a player with 15 rebounds 11/20/18 (at UPR Rio Piedras, Jordan Schoenberger, 15)

Had a double-double 11/26/19 (Campbell, 10 points & 11 rebounds, at Henderson State) L , 81-78

Did not make a three-pointer 11/20/99 (vs. So. Arkansas, L 73-62)

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action on January 4, traveling to Fort Hays State for a 2 pm start.

MSSU men lose overtime thriller to Texas A&M Commerce

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Commerce, Texas - The 11th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team had five players score in double-figures and Elyjah Clark scored his 1,500th career point, but Southern fell on the road at Texas A&M Commerce, 91-89 in overtime.

Southern (7-2) was led in scoring by Cam Martin as he had 23 points and ten rebounds. Clark scored 16 and added four assists, while Kinzer Lambert had 14 and Braelon Walker scored 12. Walker added seven rebounds, while Lambert had nine boards. Parker Jennings had ten points and a career-high eight rebounds in the game.

TAMUC (6-3) was led by 29 points from Deon Barrett and 21 from Deonta Terrell.

Southern went on a 5-0 run midway through the first half and a three-point play from Clark put MSSU on top 13-11 for the first time in the game. A three from Walker with 9:55 left on the clock capped a 10-2 run for Southern and gave MSSU an 18-13 lead.

Back-to-back threes from Clark gave Southern a 24-17 lead with 7:58 to go and forced a Commerce timeout. TAMUC then put up its own 10-3 run and tied the game at 27 with 5:38 to go. Both teams traded baskets, but a 4-0 run from Southern to end the half lifted MSSU to a 41-37 lead going into the locker room.

Southern opened the second half on an 8-2 run to lead by ten (49-39) after a dunk from Lambert with 17:06 to go, forcing a Commerce timeout. A tip in from Martin pushed Southern's lead back to 11 at 65-54 with eight minutes to go in the game.

A three from Commerce with five minutes to go was part of a 10-0 run and got TAMUC within two (68-66), but a three from Walker with 4:29 to go stopped the run and pushed Southern's lead back to five (71-66). Commerce answered, however, with a 5-0 run to tie the game at 71 with 3:36 to go.

A three from Jennings with 2:56 to go gave Southern a 76-73 lead, and a three on the other end from Clark pushed the lead to six (79-73) with two minutes to go. A dunk from Martin with a minute to go gave Southern an 81-76 lead, but Commerce got back within three the next trip down to make the score 81-78 with 37 seconds left.

Commerce put up a three as time expired and the shot did not go in, but Barrett was fouled and made all three free throws to force overtime.

A pair of free throws from Martin with a minute to go in overtime gave Southern an 89-86 lead, but Commerce hit another three the next trip down to tie it at 89 with 32 seconds left. After a pair of missed free throws from Southern, Commerce called a timeout with possession and 17 seconds left on the clock.

Commerce was fouled with two seconds left and Leo Lara made both free throws go up 91-89. Southern inbounded the ball, but it was tipped by Commerce and went out of bounds. The clock, however, did not start and officials ruled time had expired, giving Commerce the win.

Southern shot 44 percent from the field and out rebounded Commerce 46-39, including 18-9 on the offensive boards.

Southern will be back in action this Saturday as the Lions play host to Arkansas Tech at 1 pm inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Travis Kelce sets record in Kansas City's 23-3 over Denver

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce set an NFL record Sunday during his team's 23-3 win over the Denver Broncos when he surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for a fourth consecutive season.

"Right now, it's just a bunch of numbers. I'm focused on winning games," Kelce said.

"I'm pretty fortunate to be on the field for four straight years."

Kelce praised quarterback Patrick Mahomes. "I've never seen anybody throw like that."

The accompanying video is from the Kansas City Star.

MSSU men to play at Texas A&M Commerce Monday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 11th-ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will venture out of conference as the Lions head to the Lone Star State to take on Texas A&M Commerce on Monday. Tip off from Commerce is slated for noon.

Game Information

Teams: #11 Missouri Southern (7-1, 2-0 MIAA) at Texas A&M Commerce (5-3, 2-1 LSC)
Date: Dec. 16, 2019
Tip-Off: 12 pm
Location: Commerce, Texas - The Field House
Series Record: Southern leads 3-1
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (108-54 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Jaret von Rosenberg (51-21 overall/at TAMUC - 3rd year)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Mike McClure - Play by play - Fox Sports Joplin - 101.3, 107.9 FM, AM 1560 & 1340; KXMS 88.7 FM
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

The Series

This is just the fourth time the two teams have ever played. The two Lions first played in 1973, but have not played since December of 1994.

The first contest took place at the Southeastern Louisiana Tournament, while the two teams have played twice in Joplin and once in Commerce. Southern is 3-1 overall with a 2-0 record at home, 1-0 in neutral-site games and 0-1 on the road.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, lead the MIAA in Assist to turnover ratio, assist per game, defensive rebounds per game, fewest fouls, fewest personal fouls per game, rebound margin, scoring margin, scoring, three pointers per game and total rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in free throws made, while ranking second in defensive rebounds, free throw attempts, scoring total field goals made and total points. Reggie Tharp ranks second in assist to turnover ratio, while Kinzer Lambert is second in three point percentage.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

The Lions, as a team, rank sixth in scoring margin, seventh in fewest fouls per game and eighth in rebound margin. The team ranks 15th in both assist to turnover ratio and fewest fouls, while ranking 17th in scoring defense, 18th in three pointers per game, 19th in fewest turnovers per game, 20th in total rebounds per game, 21st in scoring, 26th in fewest turnovers, 31st in field goal percentage 32nd in assists per game and 38th in turnover margin.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin is 27th in scoring, 47th in total field goals made and 48th in total points, while Reggie Tharp is 24th in assist to turnover ratio.

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

Perfection

This season, the Lions are perfect when the following things happen: playing at home, scoring 70-79 points, scoring more than 90 points, allowing fewer than 69 points, leading in rebounding, outshooting opponents, make more and attempt more free throws, have more assists, game is decided by 20 or more points and playing on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 11 in the NABC poll this week and 14th in the D2 SID's Poll. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 67 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Up Next

The Lions will be back at home on December 21 as Southern plays host to Arkansas Tech. Tip off from inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 1 pm.

MSSU men picked fifth, women third in MIAA preseason track and field polls

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams have been picked to finish fifth and third, respectively as the MIAA announced its preseason indoor track and field polls today.

The Southern women, ranked fifth nationally, were picked to finish third in the MIAA Coaches Poll. The women were third last year in the 2019 Indoor Championships. Southern had 11 All-MIAA performances last year and return seven of those performances.

Samantha Petry - Pole Vault, Claire Luallen - Pentathlon, Jasmine Deckard - 60m, 200m, 4x400m relay,

Payton Roberts - shot put and Elizabeth Adeoye - 4x400m relay all return to the lineup for the Lions this year after All-MIAA performances from a season ago.

The Southern men were fifth at last year's Championships and return three of the four All-MIAA performances from a season ago. Gidieon Kimutai was the 5k champion and was also All-MIAA in the 3k, while Josh Webb was All-MIAA in the 5k. The Lions are ranked 9th nationally in the coaches poll.

The complete polls are listed below for both the men and the women.

2019 MIAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Pittsburg State (7) - 115 points
2. Lincoln (3) - 110 points
3. Missouri Southern (1) - 104 points
4. Central Missouri (1) - 92 points
5. Northwest Missouri - 80 points
6. Nebraska Kearney - 66 points
7. Fort Hays State - 58 points
8. Washburn - 51 points
9. Missouri Western - 43 points
10. Emporia State - 37 points
11. Central Oklahoma - 23 points
12. Rogers State - 13 points
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team

2019 MIAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Central Missouri (9) - 99 points
2. Pittsburg State (1) - 82 points
3. Northwest Missouri (1) - 81 points
4. Lincoln - 75 points
5. Missouri Southern - 73 points
6. Fort Hays State - 50 points
7. Nebraska Kearney - 45 points
8. Washburn - 38 points
9. Emporia State - 33 points
10. Missouri Western - 18 points
11. Rogers State - 11 points
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team

Mahomes: Denver defense will cause problems

The Kansas City Chiefs will return to action Sunday entertaining the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

Despite the Broncos' mediocre record, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expecting a workout from Denver's defense as he explains in the accompanying KMBC video.

Matheny adds Mabry, Kuntz to coaching staff

Some familiar faces will be on the coaching staff for first year Kansas City Royals Manager Mike Matheny.

The Royals announced that Rusty Kuntz, the first base coach during the team's recent World Series appearances, will return to that position after a stint as special assignment coach.







John Mabry, a former St. Louis Cardinals player who served as Matheny's hitting coach with the Cardinals will serve as bench coach.

Matheny talks about his staff in the accompanying Kansas City Star video.

St. Louis Cardinals Caravan to return to MSSU in January

(From Southern News Service)

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fans can “save the date” for the 2020 Cardinals Caravan visit to Joplin. Players and representatives from the team will be at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on the campus of Missouri Southern State University at noon, on Saturday, January 18.

A Cardinals broadcaster will serve as emcee and take questions from fans for the players. Children ages 14 and under will be able to get autographs.

Tickets for the autographs will be handed out at the door on a first-come-first-served basis. 

The United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kanas will also have tickets available for drawings of Cardinals items as door prizes.

Once again, KGCS-TV is helping to bring this free event to campus. It is sponsored locally by the Missouri Farm Bureau and Zimmer Radio.

More details about players and representatives planning to attend will be available after the first of the year.

MSSU's Kimutai named MIAA Indoor Track Athlete of the Week

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern sophomore distance runner Gidieon Kimutai has been named the MIAA Men's Indoor Track Athlete of the Week as announced by the league office today.

Kimutai, a native of Eldioet, Kenya, won a highly-competitive 5k at the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic.

He defeated his nearest opponent by three seconds with a time of 14:03.08, an NCAA Division II automatic qualifying mark. The time currently sits atop the MIAA and third-best in Division II.

Kimutai and the Lions will be off for the Christmas break and will be back in action on January 17 as Southern travels to the University of Arkansas.

MSSU's Cam Martin named MIAA Player of the Week

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern junior Cam Martin has been named the MIAA men's basketball Player of the Week as announced by the league office today.

Martin earns his second Player of the Week honor this season.

Martin, a 6-9 native of Yukon, Okla., helped the Lions to a 2-0 start to the conference slate with a 96-64 win against Pitt State and a 90-83 win against Washburn. For the week, Martin averaged 21.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 blocks, while shooting 53 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line.

He started the week with 23 points and 12 rebounds, going 11-of-19 from the field against PSU. Martin finished the week by helping the Lions erase a 10-point first-half deficit against Washburn, leading an 18-1 run over a five minute span to give the Lions the lead. He scored 20 points and had eight rebounds, going 4-of-7 from long-range, while adding six assists.

Martin and the Lions are off for finals week, but Southern returns on December 16 as the Lions travel to Texas A&M Commerce for a noon start.

Ted Simmons elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals congratulate former Redbirds catcher Ted Simmons who earned selection yesterday to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Simmons joined executive Marvin Miller as one of two individuals who received the necessary 75 percent of all ballots cast from the 10-name Modern Baseball Era vote.

"On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to congratulate Ted on this well-deserved honor and his selection among the greats to have ever played the game," stated Cardinals' Chairman Bill DeWitt, Jr. "Since being drafted by the Cardinals as a teenager, Ted Simmons has remained an active contributor to Major League Baseball at many levels both on, and off the field."

Simmons, who was a Cardinals 1st round draft selection in 1967, played 13 of his 21 seasons with St. Louis, debuting in 1968 at the age of 19. The switch-hitting Simmons batted a career .285 with 248 home runs and 1,389 RBI in 2,456 games played. Simmons' career RBI and hits (2,274) totals both rank 2nd all-time among catchers.

"Simba", who was voted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2015, batted .298 with 172 homers and 929 RBI in 1,564 games with the Cardinals from 1968-80 and ranks among the franchise's top-10 in career home runs, RBI, total bases (2,626) and grand slams (7). Simmons is still the Cardinals all-time single-season leader in home runs (26 in 1979) and RBI (96 in 1972) among catchers.

An eight-time All-Star (six selections as a Cardinal), Simmons garnered MVP votes seven times, including a 6th place finish during the 1975 season. During the period of the Modern Baseball Era (1970-87), Simmons led all Major League catchers with his 2,447 hits, 477 doubles and 1,375 RBI, and ranked 2nd in runs scored (1,068) and 4th in homers (246).

Following his playing career, which included stints with Milwaukee and Atlanta, Simmons served as the Cardinals Director of Player Development from 1988-91 before taking the GM post in Pittsburgh in 1992.

Simmons will become the 50th person with ties to the St. Louis Cardinals organization to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame during its induction ceremony to be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 in Cooperstown, NY.

MSSU track teams open indoor season at PSU, Northwest Missouri

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Pittsburg, Kan. -- The nationally-ranked Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams opened up the indoor season this weekend as the Lions competed at Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri.

Southern competed at the Boo Rogers Combined Events and Crimson and Gold Invite at PSU, while a pair of male distance runners ran at Northwest Missouri.

In total, the Lions came away with seven NCAA Provisional Qualifying Marks at PSU, as well as Gidieon Kimutai hitting an NCAA Automatic Qualifying Mark in the 5k at Northwest.

Kimutai won a stacked event at Northwest as the sophomore, fresh off an All-American performance in cross country, won the event in a time of 14:03.08, finishing three seconds in front of his nearest competition. Jarod Ozee placed 31st in the 5k at Northwest.

At Pitt, the Lions started things off with the pentathlon on Friday as Claire Luallen picked up an NCAA Provisional mark of 3,571 points to finish fifth in the event. Miracle Grant was ninth in the event with 3,171 points. Luallen won the 60m hurdles in an NCAA Provisional time of 8.69 to start off the event. She placed ninth in the high jump, eighth in the shot put and fourth in the long jump, before placing sixth in the final event, the 800m.

In other action at Pitt, Kirsten Leisinger and Hannah Smith both picked up NCAA Provisional marks in the weight throw as the pair finished second and fifth, respectively. Leisinger hit a distance of 59-10.5, while Smith hit 57-10.25. Alexandra Rodriguez was eighth in the event at 53-09.25.

Josh Fulmer picked up an NCAA Provisional mark in the weight throw, too, as he hit a distance of 60-11.50, while Travis Petersen was seventh in a distance of 56-02.50. Fullmer went on to place second in the shot put in a distance of 50-08.25.

Jordan Banker and Megan Tramel placed ninth and 11th in the pole vault hitting heights of 11-06.25 and 11-00.25, respectively. Dean Howard hit an NCAA Provisional mark in the pole vault as he placed seventh in a height of 15-10.00. Bryan Candryl was tenth at 15-06.25.

Brendan Watkins placed sixth in the long jump, hitting a mark of 23-02, while Jeremiah Wald was 15th at 21-02. Watkins then hit an NCAA Provisional mark in the triple jump with a distance of 48-04.00, while Wald was 12th at 42-11.50.

Kiarra Smith was third in the 60m hurdles in a time of 9.03, while Elizabeth Adeoye placed fifth at 9.04. Desmond Hall was fifth in the men's 60m hurdles in a time of 8.31, while Kassidy Owens placed 24th in the 60m dash in a time of 7.99.

Chardae Overstreet, Cornesia Calhoun-White and Deiajuane Watts placed 11th, 13th and 14th, respectively in the 300m dash, while Hall was 24th in the men's 300m. LaNea Wallace was seventh in the 600 yard in a time of 1:27.60, while Ashlynn Vanatter placed 12th.

Jon Johnson was seventh in the 800m, in a time of 1:57.28, while the women's 4x400m relay team of Overstreet, Adeoye, Wallace and Smith placed fourth in a time of 3:59.04.

The Lions will be off for the Christmas break and will be back in action on January 17 as Southern travels to the University of Arkansas.