JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Griffon Men's Basketball came up short in a 76-66 loss to the Lincoln Blue Tigers on the road Wednesday night inside Jason Gym.

The No. 22-ranked Griffons (14-4, 8-4 MIAA) had three players score in double figures, led by JaRon Thames, who had 19 points. Kiani Saxon added 12 points, and Zion Swader helped out with 11 points.

The Missouri Western offense made hay from downtown, knocking down eight threes on 21 attempts. Thames hit two treys for the Griffons in the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling behind 15-10, MWSU went on a 5-0 run with 12:01 left in the first half to tie the game at 15. Lincoln then pulled ahead, sending the Griffons into halftime down 32-27.

Lincoln (12-6, 7-5 MIAA) kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 64-47 advantage before MWSU went on a 5-0 run to shrink the deficit to 64-52 with 4:48 to go in the contest. The Griffons kept their comeback attempt going, but Lincoln managed to hold on for the 76-66 win. 

GAME NOTES

• Western found success from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
• The Griffons cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
• Thames led the Griffons with a game-high 19 points. He has scored 10 or more points in all 18 games this season.
• The Griffs got out on the break in the period, scoring 13 fast break points.
• Western got a team-high six rebounds from Taye Fields.

UP NEXT
The Griffons gear up for another road matchup on Saturday, taking on Central Missouri (9-7, 4-6 MIAA) at 3 p.m. inside the Multipurpose Building in Warrensburg, Missouri. The Mules play No. 21-ranked Northwest Missouri State on Thursday night in Warrensburg. 

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