TOPEKA, Kan. - Missouri Western men's basketball (10-5, 2-3 MIAA) fell 92-74 to No. 2 Washburn (14-0, 5-0 MIAA) on Wednesday night at Lee Arena.
 
The Ichabods shot out of a cannon to open the contest with a 17-4 run to establish early momentum. Later in the half, Western would find its rhythm with a 13-2 run ignited with a three-pointer from senior Zane Nelson that cut the deficit to seven points with under two minutes remaining.
 
Washburn carried a 43-34 lead into the intermission despite leading by as many as 19. Senior Justin Bubak spearheaded the Griffons' offensive attack in the half with nine points, while seniors Julius Dixon, Zion Swader and Nelson added seven points. 
 
Senior Kiani Saxon started the second half with a slam dunk, followed by a three-pointer from Swader to narrow the lead to just six points in the opening minutes. However, the Ichabods quickly responded with a three-pointer of their own, igniting a 13-5 run.
 
Washburn controlled the pace for the remainder of the contest after shooting an efficient 16-for-27 (59%) for 49 points in the second half to remain undefeated with the 18-point victory.
 
MWSU shot 29-for-59 (49%) from the field and connected on seven shots from behind the arc. Nelson led the Griffs with 16 points, followed by Dixon's 15. Bubak collected a career-high 14 points and Swader matched the same total. 
 
WU shot an efficient 31-for-56 (55%) from the field, led by Jacob Hanna's 21 points. Additionally, they found the free-throw line 28 times, converting on 24 attempts.
 
Missouri Western is set to face the Central Missouri Mules on Saturday. This matchup will be featured as the MIAA Game of the Week, broadcast live on '38 The Spot in Warrensburg. Tip-off at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen).