North STL News

The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's basketball team lost 71-63 to Missouri Western during the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic held at the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri. This result puts the Tritons at a 0-2 record for the season, while the Griffons improve to 1-1.

UMSL began the game with an early three-pointer from Taye Moore, but both teams struggled offensively in the opening minutes, combining for just seven points over more than six minutes. Missouri Western responded with a 6-2 run to take a three-point lead, though UMSL narrowed it after another layup from Moore midway through the first half.

A scoring drought by UMSL allowed Missouri Western to go on a 14-0 run and extend its lead to 15 points. The Tritons finished the half strong with a 17-8 run, reducing their deficit to six points at halftime.

Early in the second half, Jayden Creighton brought UMSL within four points with a field goal, but Missouri Western answered with a 9-2 run that pushed their lead back to double digits. Despite repeated efforts by UMSL to close the gap—cutting it to four several times—the Griffons maintained control and secured the win by making free throws in the final minute.

UMSL shot 46 percent from the field (26-for-56), including six made three-pointers out of seventeen attempts, but managed only 56 percent from the free throw line. Both teams collected 39 rebounds each; however, turnovers were an issue for UMSL as they committed twenty compared to Missouri Western's seven. This resulted in a significant difference in points off turnovers, favoring MWSU 15-8.

Jayden Creighton led UMSL with twelve points. Quenton Parker contributed eleven points off the bench. Vincent Davis shared game-high honors with nine rebounds and Miles Boland recorded seven assists.

UMSL will play again on Friday, November 14th against Michigan Tech at JustAGame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.