ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western Men's Basketball team picked up a crucial win with a 74-66 victory over Washburn Wednesday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The win kept Missouri Western in the hunt for a spot in the MIAA Tournament.
 
Missouri Western trailed by five with 16:05 to go, but rattled off a 12-0 lead to regain the lead with 14:05 left and never trailed again. Three straight three pointers aided the run with Cole Clearman sinking two and Wes Mitter adding another. The Griffons made just four three pointers in all of the second half. Clearman led Missouri Western with 15 points, shooting 5-10 from the field and 4-9 from long range.
 
Trey Sampson added 11 points and Currie Byrd finished with 10. Kevin Thomas led Missouri Western on the glass with 11 rebounds and finished with eight points. Miles Wentzien had eight points and six rebounds.
 
With the win, Missouri Western improved to 10-17 overall and 8-13 in the MIAA. The Griffons sit one half game ahead of Northeastern State for 12^th in the MIAA standings, the final qualifying spot for the conference tournament. Northeastern State hosts Fort Hays State Thursday night. Missouri Western will play its final game on Saturday in the MWSU Fieldhouse.