ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Senior Zion Swader recorded his first double-double of the season, helping the Griffons (2-1) to a 75-61 victory over the Northern State Wolves (0-1) in their home opener at the Hillyard Tipoff Classic.
 
Missouri Western started the game strong with a 4-0 run, thanks to a layup from senior Kiani Saxon, assisted by Zane Nelson. They extended their lead to as much as nine points with 4:08 left in the half. However, the Wolves clawed their way back into it, narrowing the score to 32-28 at halftime.
 
Northern State opened the half strong with a pair of threes in the open two minutes to tie the game, but the Griffons responded immediately with an 11-1 run powered by five points from Nelson to give Western a 10-point advantage with under 12:00 minutes remaining.
 
Down the final stretch, the Griffons extended their lead to as many as 20. Northern State cut the deficit to eight in the final minute, but it was enough to stop MWSU from claiming its second straight win over a regional opponent.
 
Missouri Western shot 49.1% from the floor, while Northern State shot 47.9%. They dominated the paint with 38 points scored and cashed in on 28 points off turnovers.
 
Nelson (5-for-11) led the game with 15 points. The senior added five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Swader secured his double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while adding four assists and four steals. Justin Bubak (13) and Saxon (11) also finished in double figures.
 
The Griffons will return to action on Sunday for the final day of the Hillyard Classic against the Augustana (S.D.) Vikings. Tip-off from Tom Smith Court is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. 
 
Tommy Rezac will provide play-by-play for the game that will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen). Pregame coverage will begin at 3:30.