ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — For the first time this season, Griffon Men's Basketball won back-to-back games, never trailing in a 62-45 triumph over Avila on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Despite Avila considering this an exhibition matchup, Missouri Western moves to 3-2 on the young season, feeding off a win built on the back of an overbearing defense. The Griffons forced 11 turnovers and blocked a season-high five shots, highlighted by two rejections from J.C. Anthony. Hot 3-point shooting also benefited the Griffons' 37-24 halftime lead, making 8-of-19 from downtown in the first half, as Reese Glover went 3-of-5 from deep for nine points. 

The second half was taken over by Taye Fields, who only had three points in the first. He ended with a game-high 15 points, scoring 10 in the final five minutes of play to secure his fourth double-figure game of the season. 

NOTABLES

• Julius Dixon nearly secured a double-double, scoring 10 points and snagging nine rebounds. He had six rebounds in the second half.
• Will Eames was second on the team with 12 points, scoring six in each half. 
• Missouri Western outscored Avila in the paint, 20-8. 
• The Griffons did not trail one time this game, leading for 39:36 and committing a season-low eight turnovers.

UP NEXT
Conference play begins Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. matchup against Pittsburg State (2-3) in Pittsburg, Kansas, at John Lance Arena. The Gorillas are coming off an 80-75 win at home over NAIA program Harris-Stowe State on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Pitt State opens up MIAA play on Monday vs. Lincoln at 7:30 in Pittsburg.