ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Offensive struggles plagued Missouri Western Men's Basketball (9-3) in the 53-43 loss to Truman State (7-4) in the final game of 2024 on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. Today's contest marked the lowest scoring total from the Griffs this season.
 
The first half was tightly contested, with seven lead changes and four ties. Zion Swader led the Griffons with eight points, while the defense played a critical role. The Griffons outrebounded Truman 22-19 and limited them to just nine made shots from the field. As a result, the Griffons took a 25-22 lead into halftime.
 
Truman State found its rhythm in the second half, beginning with an 11-0 run that gave them a 42-31 lead with 8:06 remaining in the game. Western cut the margin to seven points with a pair of free throws from Devin Butler in the final minute, but it wasn't enough, as the Bulldogs held on for a 10-point victory.
 
Swader led the game with a high of 16 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field. In addition, the senior recorded six rebounds, three steals and two assists. Senior Kiani Saxon was the game's top rebounder with nine, while fellow senior Ethan Kilgore contributed by grabbing seven rebounds himself.
 
The Griffons struggled with their three-point shooting, converting only one of their 15 attempts from beyond the arc, marking the lowest number of three-pointers this season. In contrast, they outscored the Bulldogs 28-24 in points in the paint.
 
Missouri Western will resume MIAA play after the break with a home game against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday, January 2, at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (available via the Varsity Network App and at GoGriffons.com/listen) and the MIAA Network, with Tommy Rezac providing commentary.