JOPLIN, MO---Faced with a big deficit, the Missouri Western men did what they've done all season.  

They fought back.

But despite a valiant comeback effort, the Griffons fell short in Joplin Saturday, falling to Missouri Southern 85-69.

Southern shot an amazing 60% from the field, including an unreal 77% in the first half to take a 50-32 lead to halftime.

But the Griffons regrouped and chipped away, using a 25-8 run, and cut the lead to 58-55 at the 11:09 mark of the 2nd half.

The Griffons could get no closer as Southern pulled away in the end

James Harris led four Griffons in double figures with a career high 28 points (8-18 fg).  Lavonte Douglas had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while TJ Johnson and Justin Reid added 10.

"I can't say enough about our guys' effort tonight," said Coach Mike Nicholson. "they never quit and I thanked them in the lockerroom for that."  

"They deserve to be rewarded with wins."

Nicholson, Western's long-time assistant, made his head-coaching debut Saturday on a "one night only" basis.   Long-time head coach Tom Smith was absent to attend his induction ceremony into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame

Western falls to 7-14 overall, and 2-14 in the MIAA, while Southern improves 18-5 and 10-5 in the conference.  

Western beat Southern December 7th in St. Joseph when the Lions were ranked #1 in the nation.  

The Griffons continue their road trip Thursday, when they make the 45 minute drive north to Maryville to take on Northwest Missouri State.