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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Western men's basketball team returns to action Saturday, December 1 for a non-conference game against Illinois-Springfield. This marks the first ever meeting between the two schools. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons enter action with a 3-2 overall record while the Prairie Stars are 2-4.

Griffon Notes
• This marks the 43rd season of Griffons men's basketball
• Head Coach Tom Smith enters his 25th season overall at Missouri Western and 38th season overall as a coach at MWSU...Smith has won 611 career games with 441 coming at Missouri Western.
• Coach Smith has been equallly as great in the conference, having the most wins of all-time in the MIAA with 527 on his resume.
• Record in Season Openers: Since basketball started in 1969-1970 the Missouri Western men's basketball team has been outstanding in season openers going 34-10. The Griffons have won 18 of the last 19 season openers which included a 69-55 victory last season against Fontbonne University on November 12 in the fieldhouse. The victory was Tom Smith's 600 career victory. MWSU won 75-44 against Sterling College to open the 2012-2013 season.
• This is the first ever meeting between the two schools.
• The last time the Griffons played at MWSU Fieldhouse, they defeated Rockhurst University 60-45.
• Under Tom Smith the Griffons have compiled a remarkable 21-4 record in season openers. Coach Smith is 14-2 in home season openers, 3-2 on the road and 4-0 at a neutral site.
• The Griffons were picked to finish 11th in the MIAA coaches preseason poll and 12th in the MIAA media preseason poll.

Griffons on the boards:
The Griffons have been very solid on the boards this season outrebounding their opponents by an average of five per game. In their last matchup, the Griffons outrebounded Rockhurst 44-32.

Defense has been a key for the Griffons:
The Griffons have held their opponents to a low 52 points per game so far in the first five games of the season. Defense has been an important part to the Griffons in their victories. They have outscored their opponents 317-260.

Starters have given the Griffon consistency:
The Griffons have started the same starting five in every game this season. Fulton, Frantz, Clinkscales, Tuluka-Mfumupembe and Mrkaljevic have kept the Griffons consistent, and they have had quality minutes come in off the bench as well.

Up Next:
The Griffons are finished with their non-conference games for now. Starting Wednesday, December 5th, the Griffons take on Truman State in their opening conference game. Tip-time is set for 7:30 pm in the Fieldhouse.