The Missouri Western Men's Basketball team defeated Northeastern State 103-82 on Tuesday to move to 4-0 in the MIAA on the season, their best conference start since the 1997-98 season, when the Griffons opened with an 8-0 record in the MIAA .
The Griffons also surpassed the 100-point mark in their second straight game. This is the first time a Griffons men's team has done this since the 2001-2002 season
Playing in a Tuesday matinee rescheduled from November, MWSU shot 53 percent as a team and used another-well rounded scoring attack in Tahlqequah, with four players in double figures.
After sitting out Saturday's win over Central Missouri, junior point guard Tyrell Caroll returned from injury and led the Griffons in scoring with 21 points. Carroll has now reached 1,000 points for his career.
Caleb Bennett finished with 20, Will Eames added 16 points and 11 rebounds and JaRon Thames had 10 points. Through the first four games six Griffons are averaging double figure points. With the double double, Eames recorded his second of the season.
Missouri Western is receiving votes in the NABC Division II Top 25 poll. The last time the Griffons were ranked was the 2002-2003 season. The Griffons are also one of four unbeaten teams in the MIAA. The Griffons lead the conference in scoring offense and offensive rebounding.
Up next the men were originally scheduled to play rival Northwest Missouri this Saturday, but due to positive COVID test on Northwest, that game has been postponed.
The MWSU athletic department is actively looking for another opponent to fill the void this Saturday. If not filled, the men's next game will be at Pittsburg State on December 17.