ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western men's basketball team (5-1) looks to extend its five-game winning streak as they travel to Arkansas on Friday night to take on Arkansas Tech (3-1). Tip-off from Tucker Coliseum in Russellville is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
TUNE IN
Friday's game against Arkansas Tech will be broadcast on their
ATUAthletics Youtube page. Live stats will also be provided for the contest at
https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=arkt#main.
TOP GRIFFON PERFORMERS
Zane Nelson has been outstanding for the Griffons, reaching double-digit scoring in every one of the six games. The senior has accumulated a team-high 102 points, averaging 17.0 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48% (36-for-75). Additionally, he has gathered 27 rebounds, provided 25 assists and stolen right attempts.
Senior
Zion Swader has excelled this season, averaging 12.0 points per game while leading the team with 15 steals. He has also accumulated 33 rebounds and made 15 assists.
Julius Dixon has topped the team charts with 32 rebounds, while
Kiani Saxon leads with six blocks for the Griffons.
HISTORY AGAINST ARKANSAS TECH
Saturday's contest between the Griffons and Wonder Boys will be the second all-time meeting between the two programs. On November 21, 2008, the two teams met in St. Joseph, where Western cruised to a 99-70 victory.
ABOUT THE WONDER BOYS
Arkansas Tech concluded the 2023-24 season with a record of 25-7 (18-4 GAC), on the path to their fifth GAC Tournament Championship. Their remarkable season ended in the NCAA Tournament when they hit a roadblock against the eventual National Champion, Minnesota State.
The Wonder Boys currently hold a 3-1 record for the season. They have secured victories over Missouri Southern, Newman and Mission University, with their only loss coming against fifth-ranked Dallas Baptist.
LAST TIME OUT
Big nights from seniors Nelson and Dixon help Missouri Western men's basketball pick up the 73-59 win over Rockhurst (2-2) on Tuesday night at the Tom Smith Court.
The Griffons controlled the game right from the start after Nelson initiated a 15-2 run with the game's first point. They managed to extend their lead to as much as 22 points, following a steal and fast break layup by Swader that brought the score to 36-14. By the end of the half, they held a commanding advantage of 38-19 heading into the half.
Despite the Hawks experiencing brief moments of success in the second half and narrowing the deficit to 13 points at multiple points, the Griffons responded efficiently to each run to secure the win. The second-half scoring was highlighted by Dixon's first dunk of the season, which occurred with under two minutes remaining in the game to help MWSU to the 14-point victory.
Missouri Western maintained a steady shooting performance, finishing the game 27-of-55 (49.1%) from the field, including five three-pointers. The Griffons dominated the Hawks in the paint, scoring 42 points to their 20, and took advantage of RU's turnovers, adding 20 points as a result.
Nelson achieved his fifth double-digit scoring performance of the season, leading the game with 19 points. Dixon finished just one point behind, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and contributing five assists, while
Justin Bubak added 11 points.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Griffons will return to Tom Smith Court next Tuesday for a non-conference game against William Jewell. Action will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (accessible via the Varsity Network App and GoGriffons.com/listen) and the MIAA Network, with pregame coverage starting at 7:00 p.m.
