The Missouri Western men’s basketball team fell to the 8th seed Washburn Ichabods 56-43 in the second round of the MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held in Kansas City, Mo. Western was led by Marcus Rhodes as he dumped in 17 points. Western falls to 18-11 with the defeat.
The Griffons opened the game on a roll scoring nine of the first 12 points claiming the six point lead with 17:06 to play in the first half after a jumper by Martin Nolan. Western held the lead for the majority of the first half but with 7:23 to play a three point basket by Virgil Philistin gave the Ichabods their first lead of the game at 22-21. Both teams scored three points the rest of the way as Washburn took the 25-24 lead into the locker room.
Western opened the second half on a solid note as Quentin Noblin opened the half with a three point basket. From there it would be all Washburn as their zone defense forced Western into poor shots and decisions as the 8th seed advanced into the championship game of the MIAA Tournament for the third season in a row.
The Griffons did not did have another player in double figures as they shot the ball poorly making just 31.1-percent (14-45) from the field and 15.4-percent (4-26) from long range. James Bush and Rhodes led Western with six rebounds apiece.
The Ichabods were led by De’Andre Washington as he finished with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Logan Stutz had 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field. The Ichabods shot 46.3-percent (19-41) from the field and 29.4-percent (5-17) from long range.
Both teams had 27 rebounds while the Washburn led the points in the paint at 28 to 16. The Ichabods also had 12 points off 14 Griffon turnovers. Western could still find themselves in the NCAA Division II Men’s Tournament next weekend. The selection show will be held on Sunday, March 7.