ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Griffon Men's Basketball (4-3) fell on the road to Missouri – St. Louis (5-1) in the team's first game of the UMSL Thanksgiving Classic on Friday. The Griffons took their first lead of the second half with just under four minutes remaining, but fell by a score of 74-61.
 

NOTABLES

• The Griffons trailed by just two going into halftime, holding Missouri – St. Louis to just 39 percent shooting in the half. The Tritons' five made jump shots gave them the 34-32 advantage going into halftime.
• Missouri – St. Louis stretched the lead to 10 points with just over six minutes remaining.
• The Griffons then made four-straight three-pointers on a 12-0 run to take their first lead of the second half at 59-57 with 3:35 to play.
• The Tritons closed the game on a 17-2 run, forcing four Griffon turnovers.
• Missouri Western outrebounded the Tritons 35-30 in the loss.
• The Griffons shot 42 percent from the field.

 
LEADERS

• Tyree Martin earned his first career double-double on Friday, finishing with a career high in points (12) and rebounds (11).
• Lavon Hightower scored in double-digits for the 19^th straight game, finishing with 16 points on five made three's.
• Bryan Hudson added 12 points on 63 percent shooting.
• Tyus Millhollin dished out a game-high four assists.

 
UP NEXT

• The Griffons will play their second and final game of the UMSL Thanksgiving Classic against Maryville (3-2) on Saturday.
• The Saints lost to Central Missouri 83-76 on Friday.