ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Despite holding UMSL to just 38.5 percent field goal shooting on the night, Missouri Western wasn't able to complete its comeback attempt on Saturday night, falling 72-67 to the Tritons. JaQuaylon Mays led all scorers with 27 points in the contest, but 19 Griffon turnovers proved too big a hurdle to overcome.

The Griffons struggled to find their range in the opening minutes, missing their first four shots, including three on the opening possession. UMSL took advantage and opened up a 14-9 lead over the first eight minutes and stretched the margin to 22-14 by the second media timeout.

A JaRon Thames floater from 15 feet appeared to spark a Missouri Western run, as Will Eames forced a turnover in the lane, with Thames finding Reese Glover in the corner for a three to cut the margin to 22-19, but back-to-back threes from the Tritons snuffed the spark.

Missouri Western was able to close the gap to 34-28 at the half, and used an 11-4 run to tie the game at 41-41 with 12:06. The Griffons hung close for the next five minutes, but UMSL was able to break the game open with 8:33 left. MWSU was held to 2-of-7 shooting over a six-minute stretch as a physical Tritons defense kept the Griffons off balance.

Trailing 61-51 with less than three minutes to play, Missouri Western was finally able to get into a rhythm, cutting the gap to 68-64 with 19 seconds to play. And despite being unable to get a foul quickly on the next Triton possession, a three-pointer from Mays made it 70-67 and the Griffons had a small window at finishing the comeback. Unfortunately, UMSL was able to get the ball into the hands of Isaiah Fuller, who knocked down both free throws to seal the game.

Missouri Western looks to get back in the win column on Tuesday, traveling to Kansas City to take on Rockhurst University. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.