ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Griffon men's basketball tried to rally from a 17-point deficit, but ultimately fell short to West Texas A&M, 87-75, in the season opener on Friday night in the D2CCA Tip-off Classic from Civic Arena in St. Joseph.

MoWest (0-1) scored the first points of the game, but the Buffaloes used a 13-3 run in the first half, jumping out to a 16-7 lead with within the first 5:35.

West Texas A&M shot 48.5% the first half, and led 45-30 at the break.

The Griffs got down 58-41 with 12:57 to go and got it to within nine on three separate occasions, but the Buffaloes continued to hit shots in the closing minutes to keep their advantage.

Trey McKowen and Noah King led MoWest with 14 points each. Gavin Hershberger had 12, while William Kiburis, Ty Henry and Devin Butler each scored nine. Kirburis led the rebounding with eight.

West Texas A&M outscored MWSU in the paint 50-34, and the Buffs also won the turnover battle, 16-9.

MoWest shot 56.7% the second half and 45% (27-of-60) on the night. The Griffs hit 8-of-19 (42.1%) from three and 13-of-15 (86.7%) from the free throw line.

MoWest is back in action on Sunday to face Missouri-St. Louis in the final game of the D2CCA Tip-off Classic. Tip-off from Civic Arena is set for 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and the MIAA Network.