UMSL Falls Short of Upset at #5 Washburn

Late Second Half Run Spoils Rivermen Upset Bid

Topeka, Kan. – The Missouri-St. Louis men’s basketball team opened the season at fifth-ranked Washburn, and the Rivermen gave the Ichabods all they could handle for most of the game, but the UMSL upset bid fell just short, losing 74-62 at Washburn. UMSL hit nine three pointers in the game, all in the first half, but after shooting 51.9% from the field in the first half the Rivermen hit just six second-half field goals in the loss. UMSL was led by Jonathan Griffin (St. Louis, Mo./Normandy) with 18 points and Joey Paul (Highland Park, Ill./Highland Park) with 16 points.

UMSL got things started quickly as a layup by Jonathan Griffin gave the Rivermen the first lead of the game. UMSL would lead 8-7 when Washburn scored seven straight points, but the Rivermen kept the game close. A three pointer by Griffin gave UMSL a 17-15 lead, but the Ichabods responded with another seven-point run. UMSL would continue to keep the game close, and regained the lead at 31-30 on a three pointer by Sherome Cole (Sikeston, Mo./Richland) with under five minutes left in the half. Washburn responded yet again with seven straight points and led 37-31, but consecutive three pointers by Troy Slaten (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) and Griffin tied the game again and the teams went into halftime knotted at 39-39. The first half saw a total of seven ties and nine lead changes in the game as the Rivermen were on fire from long range. UMSL hit 9-of-10 from three-point range in the first half, led by Joey Paul who was 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the first half.

Washburn got the first field goal in the second half to take the lead, but UMSL stayed close, keeping within three points for the first seven minutes of the second half. Trailing 51-48, the Rivermen then got six straight points from Derrell Minner (New Madrid, Mo./New Madrid Central) on four free throws and a field goal to take a 54-51 lead with 11 minutes left in the game. UMSL would hold on to their lead at 58-55 with seven minutes to play when the Ichabods made a big run. Washburn went on a 14-1 run over the next five minutes, taking a ten-point lead at 69-59 with two minutes remaining in the game. UMSL got a jumper from Chris Mroz (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) to make it 69-61, but the Ichabods hit some late free throws and Washburn held on for the 74-62 win.

The Rivermen were led by Jonathan Griffin with 18 points, hitting 7-of-15 from the field, and five rebounds. Joey Paul had 16 points on the night, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. UMSL is now 0-1 on the season and will be in action again on Saturday when they travel to play at Missouri-Rolla at 3:30 pm.