Despite a hard fought game and the best efforts of TJ Johnson’s double-double, Missouri Western Griffons fell to the Truman State Bulldogs 87-86 in overtime at the MWSU Fieldhouse. It was a tight game with neither team leading by more than seven points throughout the contest.
The Griffons held a lead by the smallest of margins at half time, 38-37 over the visiting Truman State Bulldogs. Missouri Western opened with a quick layup by Lavonte Douglas to put the first points on the board and raced out to a quick 7-2 advantage. However, Tom Norton quickly pulled Truman State back into the game with a couple of long range shots as the Bulldogs pulled back to within one. The teams were even for much of the half with seven ties and four lead changes. The Griffons had 12 fouls in the frame, but Truman State was unable to capitalize as they only shot 57% (8-14) from the free throw line.
The second half opened with cold shooting as both teams combined to miss their first 7 attempts from the floor. A technical foul on the Griffons bench allowed Truman State to take a 55-51 lead which they eventually stretched to the largest lead of the game 62-55. The Griffons fought back to tie the score at 72 with 14 seconds left. On the next possession Truman State had a chance for a basket under the rim but excellent defense by Lavonte Douglas forced an errant shot by EJ Hicks and the teams went to overtime.
Missouri Western opened with two quick baskets in the extra frame to take a 76-72 lead, but Tom Norton hit a deep three point shot for Truman to pull back within one point. After trading baskets the Bulldogs emerged with an 83-81 lead on a layup by Mike Carlson with 1:16 left in the game. Truman State was able to milk the clock down and bury their free throws to ice the contest. With the loss the Griffons fall to 1-7 in MIAA play, and 6-8 overall, while Truman State improves to 3-5 in the MIAA and 5-10 overall.
Story courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics.
