Missouri Southern women post first victory, defeating Lincoln 81-65

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team finished off a season-opening road trip with an 81-65 win over the Lincoln Blue Tigers inside Jason Gymnasium today.

Southern (1-3, 1-3 MIAA) was fueled by sophomore center Madi Stokes' first double-double of the season, with 15 points after going 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line, while adding 13 rebounds. 

Amaya Johns had a season-high 14 points going 5-of-8 from the field, connecting on a three-pointer and going 3-of-5 from the free throw line.

Anna Hall posted a new season-high scoring seven going 3-of-3 from the field and connecting on a three. Stocks finished with nine points and grabbed six rebounds while dishing out two assists.

For the Blue Tigers (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) Niyah Jackson finished with 15 points and had five assists. Deija Jackson had 12 points and Aliyah Bello scored 10 points while nabbing a game-high three steals.

In the first quarter, the Lions utilized a 12-0 run to take a lead they would not relinquish over Lincoln. Stokes got the run started with a put back layup from a missed shot to tie the game up with 5:48 remaining. Freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicutt connected on a three-pointer the following possession to get things rolling. Senior guard Brooke Stauffer finished off the scoring in the opening quarter with a free throw to put the Lions up 20-10. Southern finished the quarter limiting the Blue Tigers to shooting 27 percent from the floor.

The second quarter had freshman forward Anna Hall get on the scoreboard first after an assist from a senior center Zoe Campbell, before hitting a three the following possession making the score 25-12. A Hunnicutt free throw with 4:47 remaining in the half pushed the Southern lead to 17 the largest of the half.

At the half Southern was shooting 50 percent from the field while limiting the Blue Tigers to shooting 26 percent. Had a 30-16 rebounding advantage while also having a 27-2 lead in bench scoring.
In the third quarter, Southern rode the wave of a 10-0 run started by Stauffer who connected on an open three with 8:13 remaining that was followed up by senior guard Megan Jackson and Stokes layups. Johns capped off the run with a jumper and-one putting the score at 55-33.

Southern stretched the lead out to 23 with 5:52 remaining in the game after a Johns layup that put the score at 75-52.

Up next for the Lions is the home opener against Northeastern State Thursday, with tip-off scheduled at 5:30 pm inside Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

MSSU men suffer first loss, dropping 76-68 decision to Lincoln

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team fell in an early hole and couldn't climb out as the Lions dropped a 76-68 decision at Lincoln today inside Jason Gymnasium.

Southern (3-1, 3-1 MIAA) was led in scoring by Stan Scott as the senior scored 16 points and added 11 rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench. Cam Martin added 13 points and eight boards, while Christian Bundy and Winston Dessesow scored 11 points each.

Lincoln (2-0, 2-0 MIAA) had four score in double-figures, led by 17 points from Sai Witt.

The Blue Tigers jumped out to an 11-3 lead and led 17-6 after a three with 14:16 to go in the first half. The Lincoln lead was 14 (22-8) with 10:24 on the clock when the Lions started to get hot from the field.

A layup from Yagizhan Selcuk cut the lead to five (27-22) with 5:41 to go and a pair of free throws from Scott made the deficit three (27-24) with just under three on the clock. A layup from RJ Smith the next trip down made the score 27-26 and despite a late Lincoln three, the Lions closed the first half on a 20-11 run to trail 33-28 at the break.

A three from Kyle Younge three minutes into the second half got the Lions within three (41-38), but Lincoln went on a 15-5 run to lead 56-43 with 11:29 to go. The Blue Tiger lead was 15 (62-47) with eight minutes to go, but the Lions went on a 15-4 run of their own to get within five (67-62) after a three-point play from Martin with 3:21 to go.

That would be as close as the Lions would get, however, as Lincoln kept its foot on the gas and went 4-of-5 down the stretch from the free-throw line.

The Lions out rebounded the Blue Tigers 47-37, including 15-8 on the offensive boards.

Southern will be back in action on December 3 when the Lions come home to play host to Northeastern State at 7:30 pm inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

McDonald County golfer among three recruited by MSSU women's team

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern head golf coach Mike Wheeler has announced three additions to the women's golf team for the 2021-22 season.

Among the signings, the group includes one international student-athlete, as well as one from Illinois and another local signee.

Lily Allman is a native of Anderson, Missouri and prepped at McDonald County High School for coach Darryl Harbaugh. Allman capped her career with a third-place finish at this year's Missouri Class 3 State Tournament, held in Joplin at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club.

Allman was an All-State selection as a senior, as well as being named a three-time All-District selection and a three-time All-Conference pick. She was a three-time qualifier for the state tournament. She was a two-time District Champion and won four of the eight tournaments she played in as a senior.

The daughter of Mark and Julie Allman, Lily plans to major in education at Southern.

Faith Davis is a native of Sherman, Illinois where she prepped at Williamsville High School for coaches Darcy O'Connor and Mike Brennan. A four-year first-bagger for her high school team, Davis was a three-time State qualifier and had three top-25 finishes at the State Tournament.

She was a Central Region Best of Preps Small School Golfer of the Year, a four-year captain and led WHS to its first State Championship appearance in ten years in 2018.

The daughter of Jeff and Theresa Davis, Faith plans to major in psychology at Southern.

Aida Nunez Garcia comes to Southern from Asturias, Spain where she prepped at IES Universidad Laboral Gijon. A highly-touted amateur player in Spain, Garcia was a member of the Asturias Golf Federation Team in the Championship of Spain 18 and under group.

Garcia had multiple top-three finishes in 2018 and 2019, including four wins.

The daughter of Ignacio Nunez Rodriguez and Patricia Garcia Zapico, Aida plans to major in industrial engineering technology at Southern.

"First of all, I give Coach Derek Skaggs a great deal of credit for this recruiting class, Wheeler said. "Recruiting ladies golf is highly-competitive and requires a huge time investment. I thank him for his diligence in recruiting these three fine incomers. 

"Aida Nunez is from north of Spain. She has a powerful and fluid swing that many would like to have. She scores in the mid 70's and I am looking forward to her arrival in the fall. 

"Faith Davis is another powerful driver of the golf ball. Her scores are in the mid 70's, as well, and she will definitely help us to the next level to achieve our conference goals. 

"Lily Allman has to be one of the hardest-working high school golfers I have seen. She was good when we she came for a try out in spring of 2020, but over the summer and in high school play this fall, she has become a superior player. Adding these three to the current roster, which is really good, makes us all want to get back on the golf course."

MSSU golf signs two recruits, including Joplin High School's Fielding Campbell

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern golf coach Mike Wheeler has announced the addition of two men for the 2021-22 season.

Joining the Lions are Fielding Campbell of Joplin High School and Alex Page from Karlstad, Sweden.

Campbell is a 5-10 native of Joplin that lettered four years at the number one position for coach Jack Pace and the Eagles. He was also a three-year letter winner in both basketball and baseball.

A two-time first-team All-Conference pick in golf, he lost last season due to Covid. As a freshman, Campbell was an All-District pick and a State Qualifier and as a sophomore, Campbell was a District Medalist and once again a State Qualifier. He has multiple SMJGA wins, including earning the Springfield City Junior Champion in 2019.

Campbell qualified as a member of the Junior Horton Smith Team as a freshman, sophomore and a junior and helped to lead Joplin to a Conference and a District Championship as a sophomore.

The son of Brandon and Lissa Campbell, Fielding plans to major in accounting at Southern.

Alex Page hails from Karlstad Sweden where he prepped at Alvkullegymnasiet. Page was a member of golf and hockey teams where he was a left back on the ice and a member of the Junior Swedish Masters Team Championship.

Page is the son of Lloyd and Charlotta Page and plans to major in biology at Southern.

"Fielding Campbell is a very talented athlete that has chosen golf to put his full passion for competition into," Wheeler said. 

"Having lost his junior season to Covid, He has been working and shooting some very good scores at Twin Hills. It will be exciting to watch him finish his senior year in the spring. 

"Alexander Page is a super ball striker and a really great kid. I have enjoyed getting to know him and his parents through the recruiting process and look forward to having him on campus in the fall."

MSSU looking to remain undefeated against Lincoln

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will look to start the season 4-0 as the Lions will travel to Lincoln on Saturday. Tip off from Jason Gym is set for 3 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #21 Missouri Southern (3-0, 3-0 MIAA) at Lincoln (1-0, 1-0 MIAA)
Date: November 28, 2020
Tip-Off: 3:00 pm
Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Site: Jason Gym
Series Record: Southern leads the series 30-11
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (127-61 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). John Moseley (82-96 overall/at Lincoln - 7th 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

The Lions lead the series between the two teams by a margin of 30-11. Southern is 14-5 at home against the Blue Tigers, while the Lions are 15-5 in Jefferson City. The Lions and Lincoln have split neutral site games, both at Pittsburg. The Lions and Blue Tigers have played in four overtime games in the series with the two teams splitting the games.The Lions have won 20 of the last 23 games against the Blue Tigers.

New Career Highs

Against Newman, both Kyle Young (23 points) and Stan Scott (19 points) set their individual career-highs for single-game scoring.

Up Next

The Lions will finally get to play at home as Southern plays host to Northeastern State on December 3 at 7:30 pm.

MSSU women to return to action at Lincoln

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team ends the second week of the regular season Saturday on the road against the Blue Tigers of Lincoln in Jefferson City. Tip off from Jason Gym is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (0-3, 0-3 MIAA) at Lincoln (Mo.) (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020
Tip-Off: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Site: Jason Gym
Series Record: Southern, leads 44-23

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 107.9 and AM 1560
Live Coverage: https://www.mssulions.com/coverage

Block Party From Down Under
Senior center Zoe Campbell erupted for a school record 62 blocks to lead the MIAA and finish the year 21st in Division II. The Caloundra, Australia native set new single-game, single-season and career block records during the 2019-20 season. 

Campbell has increased her block total each season at southern, going from 11 as a freshman to 40 as a sophomore and 62 this past season. Currently Campbell is at 114 career blocks and counting.

Anchors Down

Backed by the blocking and disruptive abilities of Campbell and Stokes the Lions finished the 2019-20 season with the fourth best total field-goal defense in the MIAA limiting opponents to shooting 38.7 percent on 1,705 attempts. The Lions make sure to protect the perimeter as well limiting opponents to 32.1 percent from 582 attempts from three-point range. The Lions are limiting opponents to 36.5 percent from the floor and 30 from the three-point line in the early part of the season.

Bench Spark

Freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicutt has provided a scoring spark off the bench with her ability to stretch the court with her three point shooting. Connecting on a team-high eight made three pointers and the team leader in scoring average with 12.7. In the first game Hunnicutt announced herself to the Pride as she finished with 14 points while connecting on four three pointers from the bench.

1,000-Point Scorer Joins the Pride

Carley Turnbull comes to Southern having already scored over 1,000 points in her career, at Monmouth College a Division III institution in Illinois. She averaged 14.5 points per game and pulled down 5.9 rebounds per game over her three years for the Fighting Scots, finishing with 1,131 points. Turnbull is already off to a hot start for the Lions finishing the season opener against Central Oklahoma with a team-high 15 points and snatched away two steals.

Lincoln Trio

The Blue Tigers in year one of the Mize era will be returning three players from last season's squad. Natasha Dolinsky, Vivian Chigbu, and Virja Lewis are back for their senior campaigns. Chigbu was the second leading scorer last year averaging 10.3 points per game while grabbing a team high 7.8 rebounds a game as well. 

On the defensive side of the ball Chigbu was the team leader in steals with 41 and played the most minutes during the season. Dolinsky led the team with 29 made three pointers and finished second on the team with 57 assists while averaging 6.6 points per game. Lewis came off the bench mostly but did start in ten games while scoring 5.6 point per game for the Blue Tigers.

Transfer Credits

This years team will consist of nine transfers headlined by Niyah Jackson, Joseline Ramos, and Criss Waters. Jackson followed coach Mize to Jefferson City after averaging 11.7 points per game her freshman year at the College of Central Florida earning first-team All-Conference honors while also pouring in 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Ramos was a second team All-Conference honoree at Florida State-Jacksonville after posting a team leading 9.4 points and 2.7 assists a game. Waters averaged 10.8 points and 7.2 rebounds a game at Butler CC helping the Grizzlies to their first Region VI Championship in program history.

Missouri Southern women fall to Central Missouri 78-52

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Warrensburg, Mo. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team got double-figures from Kaitlin Hunnicutt and Carley Turnbull, but the Lions struggled offensively in a 78-52 loss tonight at Central Missouri inside the Multipurpose Building.

The Lions (0-3, 0-3 MIAA) got on the board in their first possession for the third-straight game with sophomore center Madi Stokes connecting on a layup with senior guard Megan Jackson picking up the assist. 

With 33 seconds remaining in the quarter, Turnbull got a steal that led to a Hunnicutt layup. Turnbull was not done for the quarter getting the rebound on the ensuing Jennies (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) possession before hitting a spinning jump shot in the paint to put the scoring after the conclusion of one 22-12.

Southern limited the Jennies to 30 percent from the field in the quarter and Turnbull closed the gap to eight after her layup with 3:52 remaining in the half made the score 21-29. The Lions attacked the paint finishing with 14 points and clamping down on defense limiting the Jennies to shooting 33 percent from the field and 36 from behind the three-point line.

Junior guard Amaya Johns got the Lions off to start the half after sinking both shots from the charity stripe to shrink the lead down to ten. Hunnicutt capped off a 5-0 run for the with a three from the corner with 2:53 remaining made the score 34-50.

The fourth quarter saw the Lions limit the Jennies to 18 percent from behind the three-point line. In the quarter, Southern shot 42 percent from the field. Turnbull had a six-point run all by herself that was capped off by a jumper with 5:17 left made the score 44-68.

Hunnicutt led the Lions with 14 points after going 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Turnbull poured in 13 points while Stokes scored seven points collected nine rebounds and had a season-high four blocks.

For the Jennies, Nija Collier led the charge with 18 points grabbing nine boards nabbed four steals and blocked two shots. Olivia Nelson finished with 16 points while adding three assists and had two steals.

Next up for Southern is Lincoln (Mo.) Saturday to finish off the road trip. Tip-off is scheduled at 1 pm from Jason Gym in Jefferson City.

Missouri Southern, MIAA announce plans to play women's soccer, volleyball in spring

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The MIAA finalized has plans to conduct a women's soccer and volleyball season in the spring of 2021. The plans were approved by the MIAA Athletic Administrators Council (AAC) on November 24.

For volleyball, MIAA members will play an eight-match schedule against teams in their division, which will be based on geographical location. The schedule will begin the week of February 22 and conclude the week of April 11. 

For flexibility, all dates and locations will be mutually agreed upon by participating members. Along with the eight-match MIAA schedule, institutions will be permitted to schedule up to the NCAA maximum of 20 contests with outside competition this spring (2021) and will decide when those competitions occur during each school's championship segment. The 2021 spring volleyball season will culminate with all teams being invited to a postseason tournament to be held on April 16-17.

In women's soccer, the Association will play a six-match schedule with two postseason matches. Matches will begin the week of March 29, 2021, and conclude the week of April 26, 2021. Along with the eight-match MIAA schedule, institutions will be permitted to schedule up to the NCAA maximum of 14 contests with outside competition this spring (2021) and will decide when those competitions occur during each school's championship segment.

The complete schedule for women's soccer and volleyball, along with more details on the volleyball postseason invitational will be announced at a later date. No formal MIAA Champion will be recognized for the 2020-2021 academic year in either sport.

Cardinals Caravan canceled due to pandemic, virtual winter warmup planned

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

Cardinals Care, the charitable foundation of the St. Louis Cardinals, has announced that the 25th annual Winter Warm-Up will go virtual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The largest fundraising effort organized by Cardinals Care, the 2021 Winter Warm-Up will take place virtually January 16-18, 2021. All proceeds raised from the event will support kids in the community. 

The annual Cardinals Caravan, which typically takes place in conjunction with the Winter Warm-Up, has been canceled for 2021.

"We are disappointed that we had to cancel the in-person events of the annual Winter Warm-Up and Cardinals Caravan, but we are excited that we are still able to deliver some fun and interactive online experiences, while keeping the health and safety of our fans, volunteers, players, and employees our top priority," said Michael Hall, Executive Director of Cardinals Care and Vice President of Community Relations. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't canceled our mission of supporting children in our community, so we're shifting the event to an online format where fans can safely get autographed items from their favorite players and alumni, win raffles, bid on exclusive auction items, hear from front office leadership and interact with their favorite Cardinals."

MSSU women to play at Central Missouri

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team kicks off the second week of the regular season on the road against the Jennies of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Tip off from the Multipurpose Building is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (0-2, 0-2 MIAA) at Central Missouri (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2020
Tip-Off: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Warrensburg, Mo.
Site: Multipurpose Building
Series Record: Jennies, leads 44-23

Coaches

MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 47-70 (5th Season)
UCM: Dave Slifer, 333-150 (17th Season)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 107.9 and AM 1560
Live Coverage: https://www.mssulions.com/coverage

Preseason Poll

The Lions were picked to finish 10th in the MIAA after going 10-18 overall and 7-12 in MIAA play during the 2019-20 campaign. Emporia State was picked to win the MIAA with 4 first-place votes with Nebraska-Kearney picking up 6 first-place votes in second and defending Conference Champions Central Missouri rounding out the top three with 3 first-place votes. Pittsburg State was projected to finish fourth while Fort Hays State picked up the other first-place vote and rounded out the top-five.

Start The Season Off Against The Pride Pt.3

For the first four games of the season the Lions will be facing off against schools that will be playing for the first time in the 2020-21 season.

Central Missouri Returners

The Jennies said goodbye to MIAA Player of the Year Megan Skaggs and MIAA First-Teamer Morgan Fleming but return MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in Nija Collier. Collier averaged 13.3 points per game grabbing 9.2 rebounds and finished the season second in blocks with 57 and had 40 steals. Gigi McAtee is the leading returner for three pointers made last season finishing with 27 and had 69 assists, while Morgan VanHyfte returns with 56 steals from a season ago to round out the returning starters.

Queens Of The MIAA

The Jennies have been dominant to say the least the past four seasons. Winning a National Championship in 2017-18, winning the conference regular season championship in 2019-20, 2017-18, finishing runners up in 2016-17 and 2018-19, as well as winning the MIAA postseason tournament in the 2019-20 season the first since 1990.

MSSU women fall to Newman 55-51

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Wichita, Kan. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team fell victim to a late comeback from Newman as the Lions dropped a closely contest game inside Fugate Gymnasium today, 55-51.

A defensive battle in the first quarter, the Lions (0-2, 0-2 MIAA) led 9-7 after a Kaitlin Hunnicutt three to close out the quarter.

The second quarter belonged to the Lions, as Southern jumped out to a 14-3 run, with the Lions limiting the Jets (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) to shooting 20 percent from the field during the quarter.

Hunnicutt got the scoring going in the quarter with a pull-up jumper on the Lions' first possession. Sophomore center Madi Stokes connected on her two free throws the next possession before Hunnicutt answered a Jets three with a three of her own.

In the first half, the Lions shot 43 percent from behind the three-point line, while limiting the Jets to 21 percent from the field.

In the third quarter the Lions and Jets traded blows late as they jousted for the lead.

Southern had the lead stretched to six with 2:52 remaining after a Hunnicutt fast break layup from a Brooke Stauffer steal and assist. Amaya Johns sank both of her free throws after being fouled with 0.6 seconds reaming in the quarter to give the Lions a two-point lead after three.

The fourth quarter was a tug-of-war between the Jets and Southern that came down to the last 1:52 remaining.

Johns hit one free throw to push the Lions' lead to 49-47, before the Jets answered back with two made free throws to even up the score. Johns sank both free throws with a minute remaining to push the Southern lead back up to two, but Newman hit a three on the ensuing possession taking the lead for good. The Lions got off two three pointers to tie with both being no good.

Southern was led in scoring by Johns with 13 points as she went 7-of-10 from the free throw line. Stokes and Hunnicutt scored ten points each.

The Jets had two score ten points each led by ten points and two rebounds each from Rylee Meloy and Brooke Haney.

Southern held Newman to 28 percent from the field and 27 from behind the three-point line, while the Lions shot 33 percent from the field.

Up next the Lions travel to Warrensburg to take on the Jennies of Central Missouri next Tuesday with tip-off slated for 5:30 pm inside the Multipurpose Building.

MSSU men defeated Newman 82-79

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Wichita, Kan. - Both Kyle Younge and Stan Scott recorded career-highs and the 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball program held off a furious comeback from Newman as the Lions defeated the Jets 82-79 inside Fugate Gymnasium today.

Southern (2-0, 2-0 MIAA) was led by a career-high 23 points from Younge as he went 9-of-15 from the field and a career-high five three pointers. 

Scott had a career high 19 points on 8-of-12 from the field. Cam Martin scored 21 points on 8-of-11 from the field and added 11 rebounds and seven assists, going over 1,500 points in his career. Martin has 1,514 points, just six from tying Chris Tucker for ninth place on the MSSU all-time scoring list.

Newman (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) was led by 23 points from Branden Brunn as Joel Boyce scored 13 and Tyjil Hereford scored 10.

The Jets jumped out to a 5-4 lead, but Southern went on a 9-1 run off of seven points from Younge and a fast-break bucket from Scott gave the Lions a 14-6 lead with 12:36 left in the half. Another three from Young, his third of the half, gave the Lions a 21-15 lead with 8:24 to go and a three from Martin a minute later made the lead 24-15.

A layup from Winston Dessesow with 5:37 to go gave the Lions a 28-19 lead and a layup from Scott with four minutes left pushed the Southern lead to 32-19. Back-to-back buckets from Younge made the lead 16 (37-21) a minute later. Younge's fifth three of the half, this time with a minute to go, gave the Lions a 41-26 lead and a late bucket from Scott gave the Lions a 43-27 lead going into the locker room at the break.

Martin started the half with a baseline jumper that gave him 1,500 career points at Missouri Southern and gave the Lions a 45-27 lead. A layup from Scott with 16:50 left pushed the lead to 14 (50-36) and a three from Scott with just under 15 to go made the score 55-39 Lions. A jumper from Martin with 13:17 on the clock gave the Lions a 60-47 lead, and another three from Scott gave the Lions a 63-50 lead with 11:45 to go.

A pair of free throws from Christian Bundy and a bucket from Martin gave the Lions an 81-69 lead with four minutes to go, but the Jets answered back and cut the lead to six (81-75) with 2:12 to go after a jumper from Newman's Boyce. A pair of free throws from Newman with 1:21 left got Newman within four (81-77) and another pair of freebies made it a two-point game with 39 seconds to go.

Bundy made a free throw with 18 seconds left and an 82-79 lead for the Lions and gave Newman the ball, however stopping a 10-0 run by the Jets.

The Lions shot 49 percent from the field and 42 percent from the three-point line, while making 70 percent from the charity stripe. Southern held a 40-22 advantage with points in the paint and out rebounded Newman 43-34.

Southern will be back in action on Tuesday night when the Lions travel to Central Missouri for a 7:30 pm tip inside the Multipurpose Building.

MSSU Athletics unveils new logo, initiative to raise awareness of social injustice, other concerns

(From MSSU Athletics)

The Missouri Southern Athletic Department Thursday unveiled a new 'We Are One MOSO' hashtag and logo as part of other diversity and inclusion initiatives both within the department and University-wide.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Diversity Sub-Committee is spearheading a campaign of ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Sub-Committee, which consists of SAAC members and other student-athletes, have agreed that as players they all compete, cheer for, hug, cry, win, lose and stand together as equal teammates. 

Every teammate matters and each sport would not be able to compete as well as they do without the support of each other. Beyond their MSSU uniforms, the committee states that student-athletes come from different backgrounds and the phrase 'We Are One' is what they feel embodies all that student-athletes are.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of social injustice, inequity concerns, and other issues facing the student body - such as mental health, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, suicide awareness and disabilities.

The department believes its student-athletes and staff recognize the mission, values, and goals of the University. We want to take the pledge to stand against and dismantle conditions and structures that have suppressed people of any color.

Layne Skiles of the women's basketball team spoke about what this means to her.

"I am so grateful and excited to be a part of a generation here at Missouri Southern that is really taking a stand to unite and stand up for what we believe in," Skiles said. "Spreading awareness and making our support known for all athletes of all racial and ethnic backgrounds is something so special and important that empowers the athletes that wear the Southern uniform. With the huge steps MSSU is taking, I believe we will make a huge change."

Cassie Walton of the volleyball team talked about how the hashtag could both unite and bring about awareness.

"Our hashtag 'We Are One MOSO' means we stand together united as a school and are aware of the injustice happening around us," Walton said. "We hope our hashtag will help people tell their stories and start conversations about the racial inequality that is happening now."

MSSU women try for first win on road at Newman University

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern State University women's basketball team continues the opening week road trip against Newman, for the Lions this will be the second game of the season while the Jets are playing in their first. Tip off from Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kan. is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) at Newman (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Tip-Off: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wichita, Kan.
Site: Fugate Gymnasium
Series Record: Southern, leads 6-1

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 107.9 and AM 1560
Live Coverage: https://www.mssulions.com/coverage

Preseason Poll

The Lions were picked to finish 10th in the MIAA after going 10-18 overall and 7-12 in MIAA play during the 2019-20 campaign. Emporia State was picked to win the MIAA with 4 first-place votes with Nebraska-Kearney picking up 6 first-place votes in second and defending Conference Campions Central Missouri rounding out the top three with 3 first-place votes. Pittsburg State was projected to finish fourth while Fort Hays State picked up the other first-place vote and rounded out the top-five.

Newman Returners

The Jets said goodbye to leading scorer Kaitlyn Potter last year. Potter finished the season third in the MIAA in scoring with 16.8, and was second in three pointers made (90). Back for this season are six seniors, two juniors and sophomores. 

The leading returning in scoring is Madison Birnbaum who averaged 6.6 while hauling in 4.4 rebounds a game off the bench. Abbey George is back after leading the Jets in rebounding last year with 4.6 per game coming mostly off the bench. And the leading marksmen returning is Haley Albers who connected on 35 three pointers last season playing mostly as a starter.

Year Two

Year one of the Jets in the MIAA almost included a postseason appearance just missing out by one win. Year Two looks for the Jets to get back into postseason play once again, while the polls picked them to finish eleventh in the preseason. 

Bringing back five girls that have at least started 10 games from this past season and having the flexibility of having different lineups in key situations should make the Jets a hard opponent to crack with all they throw at you.

MSSU men, 1-0, to play at Newman University

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will head to Wichita tomorrow to take on Newman University. Tip off from Fugate Gymnasium is set for 3:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #21 Missouri Southern (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) at Newman (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: November 21, 2020
Tip-Off: 3:30 pm
Location: Wichita, Kan.
Site: Fugate Gymnasium
Series Record: Southern leads 2-1
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (125-61 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). R.J. Allen (43-42 overall/at Newman - 4th

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

The Lions lead the series between the two teams 2-1. The two teams played a home-and home series in 2007-08 with Newman taking the first game in an overtime win in Wichita, 86-84, while the Lions won in 2008 with an 87-64 victory inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 21 in the NABC preseason poll this week. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 79 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Up Next

The Lions will head to Central Missouri for a 7:30 pm matchup next Tuesday, November 24 against the Mules.

MSSU women fall 75-74 to Central Oklahoma

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Edmond, Okla. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team trailed by as many ten points in the fourth quarter, but the Lions fought back and nearly pulled out the road win, falling 75-74 late at Central Oklahoma.

The Lions (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) got on the board first as senior guard/forward Carley Turnbull hit a corner three on the Lions first possession. 

Freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicut was a spark from the bench hitting two three pointers to spark a 6-1 run pushing the Lions ahead 11-7 early in the quarter. Southern finished the first quarter with a 21-18 lead over the Bronchos (1-0, 1-0 MIAA).

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but the Lions clamped down on defense limiting the Bronchos to 2-12 from the field in the quarter. Southern kept the lead into halftime 34-31, as the Lions shot 50 percent from behind the three-point line at break.

The third quarter saw the Lions trail by eight at the end of the quarter after the Bronchos went on a 9-2 in the early portion to head in a media timeout with the score tied at 38. UCO closed out the quarter with a 14-6 run.

In the fourth quarter, Southern stormed back as Hunnicutt hit back-to-back three before a Megan Jackson steal and fast break layup and-one had the Lions trailing 67-65 with 4:10 remaining.

Hunnicutt trimmed the lead back down a minute later after stealing the ball near half court and sinking a contested fast break layup to be in position to comeback. Sophomore center Madi Stokes had a put back layup and-one to push Southern ahead 71-70 with 2:05 remaining on the next possession.

The Bronchos made a free throw with 23 seconds remaining to push the lead to 73-71, before Turnbull drilled home layup and free throw to put Southern in front 74-73 with 18 seconds to go. However, with eight seconds remaining on the clock, the Bronchos knocked down two free throws to clinch the win as a last second three pointer from the Lions no good.

Carley Turnbull made a debut to remember for the Lions, leading the team with 15 points, nabbing two steals in the process as well. Hunnicutt lead all bench scorers with 14 points connecting on a game-high four three-pointers. Jackson posted a career high in scoring with 11 points, going 4-for-4 from the field while dishing out two assists in her first start as a Lion. Stokes led the Lions with 11 rebounds while adding six points.

The Lions head north to take on Newman this Saturday with a tip-off scheduled for 1:30 pm from Fugate Gymnasium.

Late jumper by Dessenow lifts MSSU men to 76-75 win over Central Oklahoma

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Edmond, Okla. - A running jumper from Winston Dessesow with nine seconds left lifted the 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team over Central Oklahoma, 76-75 inside Hamilton Field House.

Southern (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) was led in scoring by Cam Martin with a double-double 27 points and 10 rebounds, going 10-for-16 from the field. Dessesow hit five three-pointers en route to 21 points, adding four assists. Stan Scott scored 14 points on 6-of-9 from the field in 31 minutes off the bench.

Central (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) was led in scoring by Cam Givens with 27 points, going 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Justin Nimmer added 11 points.

Southern jumped out to a 9-6 lead at the 14:56 minute mark of the first half as Scott converted a turnover and his own steal to points before the first media timeout. A three from Avery Taggart with 11:41 left in the half gave the Lions a 16-12 lead and after the Bronchos had gone up 19-17, a three from Dessesow with 8:29 left put the Lions back on top 20-19.

The Bronchos took a 27-25 lead with 4:50 to go in the half, but a three from Martin with 3:35 left gave the Lions a 28-27 lead. A three from Dessesow the next trip down pushed the lead to 31-27, but a 7-2 run from the Bronchos put UCO up 34-33 with 44 seconds to go. Another three from Dessesow, his third of the half, put Southern back on top 36-34 at the break.

Southern led by seven (46-39) after a bucket from Martin with 16:44 to go in the second half, and after the Bronchos got within a bucket, Dessesow hit his fourth three of the game to make the score 49-44 with just under 15 minutes to go. A dunk from Martin followed by a layup the next trip down gave the Lions a 53-44 lead with 13:40 to go.

Martin hit a three with 9:43 left that pushed the lead to seven (59-52) and a jumper from Dessesow with 9:18 left kept the lead at seven (61-54) after a bucket from UCO the prior trip down. A bucket from Scott with 8:22 left gave the Lions their largest lead of the game at 63-54 and forced a UCO timeout.

A 9-0 run from the Bronchos tied the game at 63 with 5:20 left to play, but a pair of free throws after a huge block and rebound on the defensive end for Scott, stopped the run and gave the Lions a 65-53 lead with 4:05 to go.

The Bronchos went up for the first time in the half after a three-point play from Callen Haydon the next trip down made the score 66-65. A three-point play for UCO on its next possession gave the Bronchos a 69-65 lead with just more than three to go.

A three from Dessesow, his fifth of the game, got the Lions within one (69-68) the next trip down, but a pair of free throws from the Bronchos and a fast-break bucket the next trip down gave UCO a 73-68 lead with 1:19 to play.

A jam and a free throw from Martin cut the lead to two and a jam from Scott after a defensive stop tied the game at 73 with 56 seconds left. A free throw from the Bronchos put UCO up 74-73 with 37 seconds left and the Lions called a timeout. After the timeout, a jumper from Dessesow with nine seconds left proved to be the game-winner.

The Lions shot 46 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three-point line, but trailed the Bronchos 40-34 in rebounds.

Southern will be back in action this Saturday as the Lions travel to Newman for a 3:30 pm tip off against the Jets in Wichita.

MSSU women to open season at Central Oklahoma

 

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern State University women's basketball team is set to begin the 2020 season tomorrow night on the road against Central Oklahoma. Tip off from Hamilton Field House is scheduled for 5:30 pm

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at Central Oklahoma (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020
Tip-Off: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Edmond, Okla.
Site: Hamilton Field House
Series Record: UCO, leads 15-14

Coaches

MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 47-68 (5th Season)
UCO: Guy Hardaker, 267-149 (15th Season)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 107.9 and AM 1560
Live Coverage: https://www.mssulions.com/coverage

Preseason Poll

The Lions were picked to finish 10th in the MIAA after going 10-18 overall and 7-12 in MIAA play during the 2019-20 campaign. Emporia State was picked to win the MIAA with 4 first-place votes with Nebraska-Kearney picking up 6 first-place votes in second and defending Conference Campions Central Missouri rounding out the top three with 3 first-place votes. Pittsburg State was projected to finish fourth while Fort Hays State picked up the other first-place vote and rounded out the top-five.

Block Party From Down Under

Senior center Zoe Campbell erupted for a school record 62 blocks to lead the MIAA and finish the year 21st in Division II. The Caloundra, Australia native set new single-game, single-season and career block records during the season. Campbell has increased her block total each season at southern, going from 11 as a freshman to 40 as a sophomore and 62 this past season. Currently Campbell is at 113 career blocks and counting.

Block Party Understudy

Sophomore center Madi Stokes had a freshman campaign to remember as a defensive force down low. The Cassiville, Missouri native had 33 blocks on the season finishing fifth in the MIAA overall and eigth in Division II for freshman. Stokes and Campbell paced the Lions to lead the MIAA with 5.11 blocks per game and had 95 of the teams 143 blocks.

Anchors Down

Backed by the blocking and disruptive abilities of Campbell and Stokes the Lions finished the season with the fourth best total field-goal defense in the MIAA limiting opponents to shooting 38.7 percent on 1,705 attempts. The Lions make sure to protect the perimeter as well limiting opponents to 32.1 percent from 582 attempts from three-point range.

Efficient From Deep

Junior guard Kai Jones started off the season recovering from an injury but by season's end started the last eight games and shot 43.5 percent from behind the three-point line during that span to go along with 50 percent from the field. Helping the Lions to win key games down the stretch to ensure postseason play once again.

1,000-Point Scorer Joins the Pride

Carley Turnbull will suit up for the Lions for the first time and would have already scored over 1,000 points in her career. At Monmouth College a Division III institution in Illinois, Turnbull averaged 14.5 points per game and pulled down 5.9 rebounds per game over her three years for the Fighting Scots, finishing with 1,131 points.

UCO Returners

The Bronchos said goodbye to two MIAA honorable mention players in Micayla Haynes and Shatoya Bryson with Bryson being on the All-Defensive team as well. Leading the team into the season will be senior forward Kelsey Johnson a second-team All-MIAA selection who lead the team in scoring (14.1), rebounds (6.6), and had a MIAA leading field-goal percentage (60.2). Behind Johnson the Bronchos will be returning two other starters from last year in Clary Donica and Jaci Littell. In total the Bronchos bring back twelve from last seasons 18-10 overall, 12-7 in MIAA play team that finished last season in seventh the same place they are projected to finish this season.

High-Octane Bronchos

Central Oklahoma likes to get out and run looking for easy baskets and the Bronchos found them easy to come by as they averaged 74.7 points per game the fourth best in the MIAA last season and had the third most steals as well. Returning is leading scorer Kelsey Johnson with 14.1 points per game, Jaci Littell connected on 31 three-pointers shooting 39.7 percent as well as snatching 29 steals and Brooke Rayner led the team in bench scoring last season with 6.8 points per game while connecting on 26 three-pointers and nabbing 35 steals.

MSSU men's coach under isolation after wife tests positive for COVID-19- team to open regular season Thursday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will open up the regular season tomorrow night when the Lions travel to Central Oklahoma to take on the Bronchos. Tip off from Hamilton Field House is set for 7:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #21 Missouri Southern (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at Central Oklahoma (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Date: November 19, 2020
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Edmond, Okla.
Site: Hamilton Field House
Series Record: Southern leads 11-4
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (124-61 overall/at MSSU - 6th year). Bob Hoffman (618-354 overall/11-18 at UCO)

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

Southern holds an 11-4 advantage in the series between the two teams and the Lions have won nine in a row. The first time the two teams played was in 1973 with Central Oklahoma taking that game in Joplin. 

The two teams didn't play again until 1991, then played twice more until 2013 when UCO joined the MIAA. The Lions are 6-2 at home, 3-2 on the road and 2-0 in neutral site games.

Statement from Head Coach Jeff Boschee

As part of Covid-19 health and safety protocols, staff, players and I are tested weekly for the virus. Following our most recent test, I have tested negative, but my wife Jamie has tested positive. Due to direct contact policy I will be self-isolating for period of time. 

Jamie and the girls are doing just fine, with Jamie having minor symptoms. We will continue to monitor her symptoms daily! Due to this policy I will miss our first few games, but I have great trust in my staff to motivate and lead our team during this time. 

I have assigned coach Paul (McMahon) to take my place and I anxiously await my return with our team! Go Lions!

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

Last season, the Lions, as a team, led the MIAA in defensive rebounds per game, rebound margin, scoring, total rebounds and total rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Last season, Cam Martin led the MIAA scoring, rebounds, defensive rebounds, double-double's free throw attempts and free throws made, total field goals made, total points and total rebounds, while ranking second in blocks, field goal percentage, total blocks and total field goal attempts.

Records Watch

Cam Martin sits in three different MSSU career categories for the Lions. Martin currently has the top career scoring average at 23.3, while ranking third in career field goal percentage (.594) and fifth in free throw shooting (.815). Jennings is second in career three point percentage (.420), while Clark is the career leader in three's (365) and is fourth in free throw shooting (.816). Clark is also the all-time leader in starts (123) and games played (124).

Cam You Score A lot

Cam Martin put himself amongst the Missouri Southern single-season scoring leaders when he became only the second Lion to ever score 700 or more points, joining Taevaunn Prince in that category last season. He finished with 720 which is the second most scored in a single-season at MSSU. Martin eclipsed his total from that season with 746 last year and is the only player in Southern history to do that twice in a career.

Cam You Score A lot II

Cam Martin set the MSSU single-game scoring record at Missouri Western in 2019-20 as he scored 54 points against the Griffons. The 54 points was the most scored in Division II that year and Cam was one of only four players to hit the 50-point plateau last year. Martin had two of the top-eight scoring games this season in Division II.

The Century Mark

Jeff Boschee won his 100th career game at Missouri Southern against Washburn in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. He became the quickest to 100 wins in MSSU history. The previous mark was Frank Davis who reached 100 wins in 161 games. Boschee did it in 152 games.

Bevo Francis Watchlist

For the second year in a row, Cam Martin was named to the Bevo Francis Award Watchlist. The award goes to the best player in small school basketball which encompasses Division II, Division III, and the NAIA.

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

20-Win Seasons

The win against Central Missouri last year gave the Lions 20 wins for the third-straight season and the fifth time in the last seven seasons. It is the fourth 20-win season in Jeff Boschee's six years as a head coach.

Perfection

For just the third time in program history, the Lions went perfect at home during the 2018-19 season (13-0). Only the 1969-70 (11-0) and the 1999-2000 (18-0) teams were also perfect at home. The Lions are 66-14 in Jeff Boschee's tenure at home.

Active Career Leaders

Cam Martin is third in career scoring average at 23.3, while ranking 6th in career double-double's and 11th in free throws made and attempted.

Three's Company

The Lions broke the MSSU single-game 3-point record with 22 3's against Washburn in the NCAA Tournament in 2018-19. The 22 3's was one three-pointer off of the NCAA Tournament record of 23 in a single-game.

D1 Transfers

Southern welcomes in two Division I transfers to this year's team in RJ Smith and Yagizhan Selcuk. Smith came to the Lions from Sam Houston State where he started all 31 games a season ago. Selcuk came to Southern from Montana where he saw limited action as a sophomore.

How Do You Say That?

Newcomer Yagizhan Selcuk will most likely have to pronounce his name for many PA announcers this year, but to help out, we call him Yagi for short. You can pronounce his name Yagi Sell-Chook.

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 21 in the NABC preseason poll this week. In the history of the NABC Poll, the Lions have been ranked 79 times, including 23-consecutive weeks at one time. The team has been No. 1 once (in the 2011 season).

Reachin' A Grand

Cam Martin went over the 1,000 point plateau with his 26 points against Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 6, 2020. Martin accomplished the feat in 45 games, the fastest Lion to hit that mark. He currently has 1,466 points in his career and is in 10th place on the all-time scoring list.

Up Next

The Lions will head to Newman University for a 3:30 pm matchup this Saturday against the Jets.