ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — JaRon Thames collected a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead No. 25 Griffon Men's Basketball over the Central Oklahoma Bronchos 57-56 at home Saturday inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.

In addition to Thames' sixth double-double of his career, the Griffons (14-3, 8-3 MIAA) were led by Zion Swader, who had 13 points, six rebounds and four steals. Justin Bubak chipped in with six points, a career-high eight rebounds and another career-high two blocks coming off the bench in MWSU's sixth straight win.

Missouri Western collected 41 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Central Oklahoma's 30, led by Thames' 11 boards.

Missouri Western State did a great job disrupting UCO (14-6, 6-6 MIAA) shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Thames' two rejections led the way individually for the Griffons.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling behind 10-7, MWSU went on an 8-0 run with 12:36 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Kiani Saxon, to take a 15-10 lead. The Griffons then maintained that lead and entered halftime with a 30-25 advantage. Western did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 22 of its 30 points close to the basket.

Central Oklahoma proceeded to take a 48-42 lead before MWSU went on a 9-0 run to seize a 51-48 lead with 3:17 to go in the contest. The Bronchos narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Griffons still held on for the 57-56 win thanks to Taye Field's block at the buzzer against Jaden Wells. Western took care of business in the paint, recording 16 of its 27 points in the lane.

GAME NOTES

• Western has now won 11 straight games at the Looney Complex, the longest streak of the Will Martin Era.
• The Griffons held the Bronchos to only 36.4% shooting from the field.
• Western had a 41-30 edge on the boards in the win.
• The Griffons were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
• Western State got a game-high 11 rebounds from Thames.
• MWSU's has won six games in a row for the second time this season.

UP NEXT
Western hits the road this Wednesday to take on Lincoln (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) at 7:30 p.m. at Jason Gym in Jefferson City, Missouri.  The Blue Tigers halted a two-game skid with a 63-49 road win over Northeastern State on Saturday in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.