ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- On paper, Thursday's MIAA opener between Missouri Western and Rogers State was expected to be a tough battle, as the 4-4 Griffons looked up at a Hillcat squad that brought a 5-0 record and the second-highest scoring output in the league into the MWSU Fieldhouse. On the court, however, the Griffons reaped the benefits of their challenging non-conference schedule as MWSU (5-4, 1-0 MIAA) rolled to a 68-52 win over Rogers State (5-1, 0-1 MIAA). Will Eames finished the night with a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) and JaQuaylon Mays led all scorers with 12 points in his return to the lineup.

The first half got off to a bitterly slow start, with two stretches that saw more than two minutes between a field goal make for either team and a combined 18 points between the team over the first 10 minutes. Zion Swader sparked the Missouri Western offense to life, swiping the ball from Preston Lawrence and racing downcourt for a dunk in transition to put Missouri Western up 14-6 with 9:46 to play.

Missouri Western found its rhythm, pulling away to a 31-18 halftime lead. The Griffons finished the half hitting at a 41.2 percent (14-34) pace, and held Rogers State to 26.7 percent shooting (8-30) from the floor and an 0-for-5 mark from three-point range.

Reece Glover capped a 12-5 run for the Griffons with a huge four-point play with 15:36 on the clock, nailing a three-pointer from NBA range as he drew contact from Devin Pullum. The free throw make put Missouri Western up 43-23, and in a moment of deja vu seven minutes later, Glover again connected on a four-point play. With 8:26 left, the sophomore pulled up from nearly the same spot, again drawing contact from Pullum as the three-pointer swished through the hoop. Glover's free throw put the Griffons up 57-34, and Missouri Western was able to comfortably hold Rogers State at bay down the stretch.

Missouri Western finished the night shooting 45.9 percent (28-61) and held Rogers State to a 32.7 percent (18-55) mark and a 0-10 performance from long range. The Griffons also held a 39-34 rebounding edge and recorded a season-high eight blocks.

Northeastern State is set to visit the Fieldhouse on Saturday, as the Griffons continue the MIAA slate. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.