MSSU men return home against Northeastern State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The 21st ranked Missouri Southern men's basketball team will be back inside the friendly confines of the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center this Thursday. Tip off from Joplin is set for 7:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: #21 Missouri Southern (3-1, 3-1 MIAA) vs. Northeastern State (0-1, 0-1 MIAA)
Date: Dec. 3, 2020
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Robert Corn Court/Leggett & Platt Athletic Center
Series Record: Southern leads the series 24-18
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (127-62 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). Ja Havens (131-75 overall/0-1 at NSU - 8th year)

The Series

Southern has won ten out of the last 14 meetings between the two schools and hold an overall record of 24-18 against the RiverHawks.The Lions' 77-69 overtime win at home in 2006 stopped a three-game losing streak to the RiverHawks. Southern had won just three times in Tahlequah, but the Lions picked up a win at Jack Dobbins Fieldhouse in 2012 and in 2014. The Lions are 18-5 at home, 3-13 on the road and 3-0 in a neutral site against the RiverHawks.

Back At The Helm

Head coach Jeff Boschee has finished his Covid quarantine and will be back on the sidelines this week to coach the Lions.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

So far this year, the Lions lead the MIAA in three point attempts, total three pointers made, total assists, total blocks, total rebounds, and total steals, while ranking second in free throw attempts and made.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Winston Dessesow leads the MIAA in three point attempts, while ranking second in total field goal attempts and total minutes. Dessesow ranks third in total field goals made. Cam MArtin leads the MIAA in double-doubles, total field goal attempts and total field goals made, total minutes, total points and total rebounds. Martin is second in total three pointers made, while Stan Scott ranks second in total field goals made and total points, while ranking third in total field goal attempts, total minute and total rebounds. RJ Smith is second in total rebounds.

New Career Highs

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

National Ranking

The Lions are ranked No. 21 in the NABC preseason poll. 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). Southern is at No. 25 in the D2SIDA preseason poll.

Up Next

The Lions will continue their home stand as Southern will play host to Rogers State this Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3:30 pm