ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - No. 17 Missouri Western men's basketball (8-2, 1-1 MIAA) had its winning streak ended in a heartbreaking 74-72 MIAA home-opening loss to Emporia State (3-6, 1-1 MIAA) on Saturday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse. 
 
In a tightly contested first half, the two teams traded momentum back and forth, resulting in eight lead changes. Missouri Western managed to gain a six-point advantage following a three-pointer from Julius Dixon at the 11:57 mark. Emporia State found success in the final 2:31 of the half, finishing with a small run that allowed them to take the 38-33 lead into the locker room.
 
Western took the lead early in the second half with an 11-2 run that included five points from senior Kiani Saxon and a perfect 3-for-3 shooting performance by the team within the first 2:32. From that point onward, the MIAA rivals exchanged the lead four times, and the score was tied three times.
 
The final minute of the game was thrilling, to say the least. A pair of free throws from senior Zane Nelson narrowed the Griffs' deficit to just three points. Nelson added to the excitement with a deep three-pointer with under 10 seconds left, tying the game at 72-72. However, the Hornets ultimately won, thanks to a last-second jumper from Malik Edwards that secured a two-point victory at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
 
Nelson led the Griffons offensively after matching a season-high 21 points for the second straight contest. The Birmingham, Alabama, native added nine assists, seven rebounds and a pair of steals. Dixons also finished in double figures with 13 points while adding three rebounds.
 
Missouri Western will return to Tom Smith Court on December 18 to face Kansas Christian at 11:00 a.m. on Education Day, during which 2,000 local elementary students are expected to attend and support the Griffons. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and on the MIAA Network.